Everest Base Camp Trek
Join Outfitter Himalaya for the Everest base camp trek 16 days 2023/2024 departures and trek to the lap of the highest mountain in the world. Escape in the Himalayas and embark on one of the most adventurous trips of your life with our expert team. We offer the best Everest base camp trek cost with exceptional service.
Everest base camp trek 16 days is one of the finest itineraries that include ample acclimatization days and two full free days in Kathmandu. This Everest base camp trekking itinerary is for travelers who are looking for the best itinerary to trek to the lap of Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Everest base camp trekking explores the Himalayan trail, specifically the Khumbu region of Nepal. The trail is adventurous and ascends along with dense forests, picturesque villages, and lush foothills.
We have many Everest base camp trek packages, but among all, we highly suggest the Everest base camp trek for 16 days because of its gentle pace. The trek overall is moderate and gets difficult as you approach the high elevation. The facilities in the lodges get limited at the upper part of the trail, and thin air makes the walking more exhausting than it is. However, the panoramic views of the giant mountains and the welcoming locals will push us to move forward.
Talking about the locals, the Everest region is home to the famous Sherpas and other ethnic groups like Rai, Limbu, Bhotiya, etc. Everest base camp trekking allows you to spend a lot of time with these people and understand their unique lifestyles. The trek also offers close insight into the rich cultural heritage of the locals. You get to visit ancient monasteries like Tengboche (3,860 m) and Pangboche (3,985 m) on the way.
Everest Base Camp Trek Attractions
The flight between Kathmandu and Lukla airport
The Kathmandu to Lukla flight is one of the most nerve-racking flights that one can go on. Flying through green hills and high mountains, you land on a small runway at 2,860 meters above sea level. It's the kind of landing that makes the passengers clap. The aerial mountain views during the flight make it even more special.
The Best itinerary to EBC for travelers in no rush
Unlike other EBC trek itineraries, our 16 days Everest base camp trek is more on the easygoing side. We take our time to explore Kathmandu and spend a good number of days in the mountains. The itinerary has enough rest days and allows trekkers to enjoy every second on the trail without rushing.
Trek in the Sagarmatha National Park
From Monjo village onwards, we begin trekking in the Sagarmatha National Park, which goes all the way up to EBC and beyond. The national park is home to numerous floras & fauna, so we may come across a handful of them while trekking.
The 16-day Everest Base Camp trail goes through forests of rhododendron, birch, juniper, pine, etc. We cross streams and rivers. There are many small and big villages along the way where we spend the nights while trekking. And not only that, in the upper part of the Everest Base Camp trek route, we explore moraines, glaciers, and icefall.
Explore the homes and cultures of Sherpas
One of the major highlights of Everest Base Camp trekking is the Sherpa people. Khumbu region is home to Sherpas. While trekking through villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, etc... we get to see their daily lifestyle. This trek let us know the Sherpas closely and offers us intimate encounters with them.
Ancient monasteries visit
The Everest base camp trek route is quite rich in monasteries, stupas, prayer wheels, chortens, and prayer flags. You may see stupas in every village. Tengboche monastery is the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region that you visit in the Tengboche village. Pangboche Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the region. Both monasteries date back to ancient times.
Enjoy the serenity and Great Mountain views
Everest base camp trek is renowned for its heavenly landscapes and endless mountain views. The trekking experience this particular trial offers has won the hearts of millions of trekkers, making it the most famous trek in the world. You get to see views of Himalayan mountains like Everest (8,849 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Cholatse (6,440 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Kangtega (6,782 m), etc along the way.
Likewise, the change in scenery as the elevation increases will keep encouraging you to trek. You ascend to multiple viewpoints like Hotel Everest View (3,962 m), Nagarjuna Hill (5,100 m), and Kala Patthar (5,644 m) to witness breathtaking mountain landscapes. Similarly, you also get to see gorgeous waterfalls, glaciers, and icefalls during the trek.
Reach Everest Base Camp and hike further up to Kala Patthar
Everest base camp is situated at 5,364 meters. It is a part of a moving glacier. We do not spend a night at base camp because there is no accommodation facility and descend to Gorak Shep. The following day, we hike to Kala Patthar, which is the highest point of our trek and offers 360-degree views of mountains all around it. As Mt. Everest's view is blocked at the base camp due to other giant mountains. So, we hike to Kala Parrhar to witness the majestic beauty of Everest.
Everest Base Camp Trek Weather
The weather at the Everest Base Camp, which is located at an elevation of about 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal, varies greatly throughout the year.
In the spring season (March to May), the temperatures typically range from -10 to 10 degrees Celsius (14 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and can drop to -20 to -15 degrees Celsius (-4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The days are usually sunny and clear.
In the summer season (June to August), temperatures can reach up to 15 to 20 degrees Celsius (59 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and drop to -10 to -5 degrees Celsius (14 to 23 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. This is also the monsoon season in Nepal, so you can expect to see some rain and clouds.
The fall season (September to November) is similar to spring, with temperatures ranging from -10 to 10 degrees Celsius (14 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and dropping to -20 to -15 degrees Celsius (-4 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The skies are usually clear and the views of the surrounding peaks are stunning.
In the winter season (December to February), temperatures can drop to -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit) or below and the nights are extremely cold and long. Snow and high winds make travel to and from the base camp difficult.
It is important to note that the weather at the Everest Base Camp can be unpredictable and can change rapidly, so it's essential to come prepared with the proper gear and clothing to stay warm and dry while on Everest Base Camp Trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek distance
The total distance from Lukla to Base camp and return is approximately 260 kilometers. The trek from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp and back typically takes about 12 to 14 days, depending on the pace of the trekker.
The first leg of the journey from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp is about 130 kilometers (80 miles) and takes 6 to 7 days. The trek involves several steep ascents and descents as well as crossing high suspension bridges over fast-flowing rivers. Along the way, you will pass through several villages, forests, and high-altitude plateaus with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
After reaching the Everest Base Camp, trekkers typically make the return journey to Lukla, which takes about 3-4 days, covering the same 130-kilometer (80-mile) distance. From Lukla, it's a short flight to Kathmandu, which takes about 35 minutes.
Fitness Required for Everest Base Camp Trek
You do not have to be a marathon standard of fit to do the Everest base camp trek. However, a moderate level of fitness, good health, and the ability to trek about 5-7 hours a day are mandatory to complete the hiking successfully.
Most of the trekking/walking is done in the morning and early afternoon, and you would have to reach the lodges in the late afternoon. So, you will have time to relax, rest, and acclimatize to the areas. If you have any health problems, we advise you to check with your doctor before booking the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Length
The Everest base camp trek takes 12 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. The trekking adventure starts after a short flight to Lukla and trekking for seven days to reach EBC, and these seven days include two rest days for acclimatization, one in Namche and another in Dingboche. However, it takes only three days to trek back to Lukla, and the next day morning, you take a return flight to Kathmandu.
Furthermore, there are options to go overpass of Cho la and trek to Gokyo valley, and do another pass also over Renjo La. Our itinerary for the Everest base camp trek is for 16 days which includes arrival day and return day. It also includes a day tour in Kathmandu and an extra day at the end of the trek.