The 12-day Everest base camp trek is one of the most famous treks in the world. Given the adventure and thrill offered by this trek, many people aspire to conquer the trails to the lap of the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. Our professional team of native guides and porters will help you do so.
If you're already in Nepal and eager to embark on the iconic Everest base camp Trek from Kathmandu, look no further. The 12-day Everest base camp trek itinerary is designed for travellers with limited time, and offers a perfect balance between adventure and convenience.
And, if you want to take full package, we have 16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek including your arrival and departure and accommodation in Kathmandu (two nights pre and two nights post the trek) which also have introduction tour of Kathmandu and an extra buffer day at the end of the tour which is for flight delay and cancelation to and from Lukla.
Everest base camp is in the Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu region. The Everest Base Camp 12 Days Trek begins with a quick scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Reaching EBC is not easy, but it is not very demanding either (no technical climbing is needed). From Lukla, you'll walk on rugged trails for seven days, gaining elevation every day to reach the Everest base camp. In the peak climbing season, you will see many colourful tents of mountaineers aiming to scale Mt. Everest at the base camp.
On the second day of your trek, you begin in the forested temperature zone and then enter the sub-alpine area, making your way to the alpine zone. The 12-day Everest base camp trek route goes through forests of fir, birch, and rhododendron. You'll cross multiple suspension bridges hanging over the deep valleys and walk along the foothills, passing by beautiful Sherpa villages.
The Khumbu region is remote. Its inaccessibility has kept it protected from the outside world, even though thousands of travellers explore it every year. The locals live quite a simple lifestyle and practice their ancient culture, which you'll have the unique opportunity to experience. There are many stupas and monasteries scattered around the Trail, each with its own fascinating history. A part of Everest base camp 12-day trekking offers close insight into the rich cultural heritage of natives.
The stunning Mountain View from the first day of the trek and the soothing Himalayan air unwind you. The mountains get prominent as you get closer to EBC and Kala Patthar. Amidst the bustle of the peak trekking season, you'll find tranquillity for yourself and enjoy the 12-day EBC Journey.
Everest base camp trek 12 days is the perfect itinerary to reach Everest Base Camp. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We'll be thrilled to assist you in finding the best Everest base camp trek package.
Our 12-day Everest base camp trek is for travellers searching for a short itinerary to the Mt. Everest base camp. This itinerary is also best for trekkers who are in Kathmandu or want to make arrangements for Kathmandu and are ready to hit the Trail. Even though it's a short trek, we have not compromised acclimatization day, and the trekkers will have ample time to enjoy the trek.
Everest base camp trek 12 Days does not need previous trekking experience but demands proper preparation. To have a safe and smooth trek, you have to be ready physically and mentally. The overall Journey can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Outfitter Himalaya's expertise goes back over two decades. We are an expert trek, tour, and expedition organizer in Nepal. Our voyages are well-designed and safe, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind throughout the trek. We assure high satisfaction, the best rate, and a friendly atmosphere. With us, you get to trek with the most experienced and humble trek guides, who will be there to support and guide you every step of the way.
One thing that attracts people worldwide to the Khumbu region is its breathtaking landscapes and constant mountain views. The 12-day Everest base camp trail is packed with mountains dominating the sky and lush green hills. The region's stillness and rejuvenating air let you unfold your thoughts and relax.
At Phakding, you get to see the first mountain view of Kongde Ri (6,187 m). Mt. Everest's (8,849 m) first glimpse is seen from Namche Bazaar. From here onwards, you'll be accompanied by stunning views of Lhotse (8,516 m), Nuptse (7,861 m), Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Thamserku (6,608 m), Island Peak (6,160 m), Makalu (8,463 m), Cho Oyu (8,188 m), etc throughout the trek.
Before reaching EBC, we will walk through many mountain villages and spend nights in some of them. Every small and big village on the way shows the locals' lifestyle. The locals run the lodges and wish you the best for your trek.
The people of the Khumbu region are welcoming, so you'll feel very comfortable around them. Phakding (2,610 m), Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), Tengboche (3,860 m), Dingboche (4,410 m), Lobuche (4,940 m), and Gorak Shep (5,164 m) are the villages you spend overnight.
The Everest region houses hundreds of years old monasteries and stupas. The locals are followers of Buddhism. You meet with monks in the monasteries along the way. Talking about the monasteries, you visit the some oldest monasteries of the Khumbu region- Khumjung and Tengboche. Similarly, you'll come across colourful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and artistic gates with intricate designs along the way.
The Everest Base Camp 12-day trek route ascends through dense rhododendron, fir, and birch forests. You may get to see wildlife and many species of birds along the way. The Trail crosses numerous hanging bridges in the early part. You come across lovely waterfalls and viewpoints.
The upper part of the 12-Day Everest base camp trek route has moraines and glacial paths. The Trail gets steeper and filled with loose rocks. The Everest base camp itself is a moving glacier. You see frozen streams and the Khumbu Icefall.
Everest base camp (5,364 m) is in the lap of Mt. Everest. It is the highest mountain in the world. Reaching EBC is a considerable achievement and a lifelong dream of many humans. It's like reaching the top of the world. The base camp is marked with huge rocks and prayer flags.
Because the top of Mt. Everest is not seen from its base camp because of other dominating mountains, we hike to Kala Patthar the following day before descending. Kala Patthar (5,644 m) is a famous viewpoint that offers a 360-degree view of snow-capped mountains including Everest.
The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary starts and ends in Kathmandu. You must arrive in Kathmandu at least a day in advance and have a flight home on the next day of your return from the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek. We at Outfitter Himalaya have not included any accommodations in Kathmandu before and after the trek on this package. However, We have full Pacakge Everest Base Camp Trek if you want to have all inclusive program.
Our team will pick you up at your hotel lobby and take you to the domestic airport. We'll fly to Lukla airport, where the trek begins. Upon landing, we say hello to the porter (if you have hired a porter) who will join us on the trek and start walking downhill to Phakding village for an overnight stay. Flying high and sleeping low will keep us away from altitude sickness.
Note: The flight to Lukla are operated from a different airport in Peak season (Such as Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April and May), know more about this flight.
From Phakding, we continue trekking along the bank of the Dudh Koshi River through the pine forest. The Trail crosses several yak pastures and villages like Benkar and Chumoa. On the way, we encounter a large suspension bridge called The Hillary Bridge. Crossing this bridge, we enter Sagarmatha National Park.
The forests get denser, and a few other small settlement areas are on the way beyond. Crossing rivers and streams, we walk on a steep uphill route that leads to Namche Bazaar. If the sky is clear, we see the first glimpse of Mt. Everest today.
We spend a rest day in Namche Bazaar to acclimate. Here, we have multiple hiking options to places like Khumjung Monastery, Syangboche Airstrip, and Hotel Everest View. All these hikes offer phenomenal views of mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, Everest, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
Remember to explore Namche Bazaar and its narrow, bustling alleyways. In the meantime, there are many cafes and restaurants with great views and paid Wi-Fi service where you can chill.
Leaving Namche Bazaar, we trek to Tengboche, the next village. The Trail ascends through rhododendron forests and passes by beautiful small towns.
We enjoy stunning views of Everest and other mountains as we walk along the hillside above the Dudh Kosi River. From Phunki Thanga, the route gets even more impressive. We cross Imja Khola and walk under the shade of rhododendrons until Tengboche comes.
We wake up early to enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Mt. Ama Dablam and have a delicious breakfast. The Trail goes north from Tengboche village and crosses a suspension bridge over Imja Khola. We gradually walk and reach the hamlet of Pangboche village.
The Trail will narrow further, and we reach Orsho village. From here, we walk on the lower Trail along the bank of Imja Khola. Passing by chortens and mani walls, we walk on terraced fields before reaching Dingboche village.
It's our second and last rest day in Dingboche village. We'll wake up early and hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m). From this place, we see Lobuche Peak, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cholatse, Kangtega, and Ama Dablam. The views are jaw-dropping. Later in the day, we will relax and mingle with locals.
The Trail gradually ascends to Thukla. We'll be walking above the tree line, and the climate also changes into much drier and colder with high sun exposure. Likewise, the views change from lush green hills to barren hills and bushes.
Today, the Trail steeply ascends over the moraine of the Khumbu glacier. From Thukla Pass, we walk on grassy valleys and rocky terrain to Lobuche village.
The day begins with walking on a rough, rocky trail to Gorak Shep. Despite the rugged Trail and high elevation, the close views of snow-capped mountains will keep you eager to move further. In a few hours, we reach Gorekshep. We then walk to Everest base camp by walking by small streams and glacial moraines.
Located on a part of Khumbu Glacier, the Everest base camp is a moving terrain with boulders surrounded by blankets of white snow. We do not spend the night here; we descend to Gorak Shep after spending some time at the base camp.
Kala Patthar is the highest point we reach during the 12-day Everest Base Camp trek. From Gorak Shep, the Trail steeply ascends to Kala Patthar, a famous viewpoint that offers 360-degree views of the Himalayan Mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Pumori, etc.
We get to see a heavenly sunrise today from Kala Patthar. The next part of the Trail involves downhill walking to Pheriche.
From Pheriche, we mostly walk through lush rhododendron and juniper forests. The trail passes by Tengboche and Phunki Tenga. We may encounter exotic birds on the way. From Phunki Tenga, we descend to the Dudh Kosi River and cross a small suspension bridge. Further, we ascend to Namche Bazaar.
The Trail from Namche Bazaar steeply descends through the forested path. You soon begin walking through dense forests, passing by remote settlement areas. On the way, we cross numerous suspension bridges and reach Monjo. From here, we cross many bridges over Dudh Kosi and reach Phakding village. The next part of the Trail ascends to Lukla.
After breakfast, we get ready to leave Lukla. A last thrilling flight with great aerial views of the Himalayas marks the end of 12 days of the Everest base camp trek. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we'll transfer you to your hotel and the trek is ended.
We suggest you to hire a porter to carry your bag pack while on trek, trekking with a light day pack is much easier and you enjoy your trekking holidays to the fullest. A trekking porter carries about 20-22 Kg (about 10-11 Kg from each of you), and we suggest to hire a porter in between of two trekkers.
Solo traveller will be paired with another traveller when booking through the Last Minute Booking, Please add Single Supplement Fee while booking to secure a single private room. The fee guarantees a single room in most of the trekking guest houses, however, due to limited availability of accommodation in some remote villages such as Tengboche, Lobuche and Gorekshep (3 nights), you may be required to share a room with a fellow trekkers.
Are the dates offered unsuitable, or do you want to take a private trip? Check availability for your date.
The spring (March to May) and autumn (Mid September to Mid December) offers best weathers in the mountain and these are the most popular season to do the Everest Base Cam Trek 12 days.
The 12-day Everest base camp trek is considered moderate. The Trail does not have strenuous climbing or technical sections, which makes it ideal for beginner trekkers.
Remember to underestimate the high altitude, long ascends and descends, basic facilities, and rough trails. You'll tire of walking, and your sore body will challenge your mind at every step.
You can bypass previous trekking experiences to join the 12-day Everest base camp trekking. However, you must be fit and ready to endure all the challenges the Journey throws you. Similarly, the risk of altitude sickness is also there all the time.
There's nothing called being over-prepared when travelling in the Himalayas. So, take your time and do your research to prepare for the 12-day Everest base camp trekking. Our team will provide you with the packing list and help you prepare physically and mentally for the trek by providing all the important information.
Light training will build your stamina, and you can go on short hikes or long walks regularly.
You can buy or rent heavy trekking essentials in Thamel, Kathmandu.
Meet with your doctor and learn about altitude sickness.
Let us know if you have any prior medical history that may affect your trek in the Himalayas. We have to be ready to tackle any possible medical emergency.
Do not trek in new trekking shoes. You'll regret it.
During a 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp, you'll spend most of your nights in local tea houses/guesthouses along the Trail. These accommodations are basic and provide a comfortable place to rest and recover after a day of hiking.
The tea houses typically offer twin bedrooms with shared bathrooms and simple meals such as soup, rice, and noodles. Some more popular and touristy stops along the route may offer attached bathrooms and more luxurious amenities. Still, it's important to remember that facilities can be limited in remote mountain regions.
It's also common for trekkers to bring a sleeping bag as bedding is only sometimes provided. It's also a good idea to get your toiletries, as these items may be difficult to find or purchase along the Trail.
The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is considered a safe adventure but has some inherent risks, like any outdoor activity. The most significant risks on the Trail include altitude sickness and inclement weather.
However, if you're in good physical condition, acclimate properly, and follow your guide's and local authorities advice, the chances of encountering severe problems are meager. Here are some tips to stay safe on the Trail.
Gradually acclimate to the altitude: Make sure you give yourself enough time to adjust to the high altitude before reaching Base Camp. This can help prevent altitude sickness.
Hire a guide: A knowledgeable and experienced guide can help you navigate the Trail and provide valuable advice on how to stay safe.
Carry the necessary equipment: Bring the appropriate clothing and gear, including a warm sleeping bag, a good backpack, and sturdy hiking boots.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, as it can worsen symptoms of altitude sickness.
Be aware of the weather: Check the forecast regularly and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Follow the rules: Stick to the established Trail and avoid taking shortcuts, which can increase your risk of getting lost or encountering other dangers.
Following these tips and being prepared can help ensure a safe and successful trek to Everest Base Camp in 12 days.
During a trek to Everest Base Camp, hot showers are generally available in the tea houses/guesthouses along the Trail, and the tea houses offer cold and hot water bucket showers in shared washrooms.
However, the availability and quality of hot showers can also vary depending on the time of year and the location, so it's best to check with your guide or the tea house owner in advance.
Yes, it's strongly recommended that you have comprehensive travel insurance for your trek to Everest Base Camp. Travel insurance can protect a variety of situations that can arise while travelling, including the following:
Medical emergencies: High-altitude trekking can pose health risks, and medical care can be limited in remote areas. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses and evacuation costs if you become sick or injured.
Trip cancellations or delays: Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel your trip due to illness, a family emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Lost or stolen luggage: If your baggage or personal belongings are lost or stolen, travel insurance can cover their replacement or reimbursement.
Trip interruption: If you have to cut your trip short for any reason, travel insurance can cover non-refundable expenses and additional transportation costs.
Travel insurance can give you peace of mind and financial protection during the Everest Base Camp 12 days. When choosing a travel insurance policy, read the fine print and understand what is covered and what is not. We also advise you to bring a copy of your policy on the Trail if you need to claim while you're away.
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp depends on your preferences and the specific conditions you seek. Generally, the two main trekking seasons are the spring (March to May) and the autumn (September to November).
Spring is the best time for the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek if you want to see the rhododendron forests in full bloom and enjoy clear views of the mountain. The weather is usually stable and warm during the day, but nighttime temperatures can still be cold.
Autumn is another good time for the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek, as the monsoon season has ended and the skies are generally clear. This season offers excellent visibility, but nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.
The monsoon season runs from June to August, and trekking during this time can be challenging due to heavy rainfall and leech-infested trails. Winter (December to February) can also be harsh, with high winds and sub-zero temperatures making the Trail more difficult; however, if you can bear the cold temperature and have a few extra days, you can do the Everest Base Camp Trek throughout the year.
Yes, visiting Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. It is one of the most iconic destinations for trekkers and mountaineers, offering breathtaking views of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, and the surrounding Himalayan mountain range.
The Journey to the base camp is a challenging trek, but the scenery is truly awe-inspiring, making it a unique and rewarding adventure.
However, it's important to remember that the trek to Everest Base Camp is physically demanding and requires a certain level of fitness and preparation. You should also consider the environmental impact of visiting the area and take steps to minimize your footprint.
Additionally, it is important to know the risks associated with high-altitude trekking and plan your trip carefully with a reputable trekking company.
Overall, if you are an adventurous traveler up for a challenge, visiting Everest Base Camp can be a truly unforgettable experience.
The temperature at Everest Base Camp can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the weather conditions. During the peak trekking season, which is from late September to early November, the temperature can range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F) during the day and can drop to well below -20°C (-4°F) at night. The temperature can be even lower in the colder months, from December to February, reaching as low as -40°C (-40°F) at night.
It's important to note that these temperatures are a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific weather conditions in the area at any given time.
Additionally, the combination of low air pressure and strong winds can make the temperature feel much colder at higher altitudes. As a result, it's important to be well-prepared with warm, high-quality clothing and equipment when trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Just returned from the Everest Base Camp Trek with Outfitters Himalaya. One of the best trek experience my sis and i have had. Of the many tour agencies i reached...
We booked the Everest Base Camp package at end of May and had an experienced and wonderful guide, Suraj, who with his networks, got us room upgrades at some of...
My husband and I did the Base Camp Everest 12-day trek and although it was hard work, it was incredibly worthwhile. Suraj & Bhim were amazing tour guides and did...
