Pleasant Holiday
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Nepal • Everest
A high-altitude journey through the Khumbu, combining Sherpa settlements, Himalayan viewpoints, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar.
Duration
16 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
5,550m • Kala Patthar
Best Season
March-May / September-November
In Pictures
Explore landscapes, settlements, and moments from the journey.
Journey Overview
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a 16-day Himalayan journey into Nepal's Khumbu region, following a progressive route from Kathmandu to the mountain settlements and high-altitude landscapes below Mount Everest. After a cultural introduction in Kathmandu, the journey continues via Ramechhap and Lukla before following the Dudh Koshi corridor towards Namche Bazaar. Dedicated acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche provide time to adapt as the route climbs through Tengboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep. The journey reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres beside the Khumbu Glacier before continuing to Kala Patthar, the highest point of this itinerary at 5,550 metres and one of the route's major mountain viewpoints. Beyond the physical challenge, the trek is shaped by Sherpa communities, Buddhist monasteries, prayer walls, suspension bridges and the dramatic protected landscape of Sagarmatha National Park.
The Journey
Follow the journey day by day, from arrival and acclimatisation to the main highlights of the route.
Journey Length
16 Days
Day 1
Kathmandu Airport → Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. The first day is kept comfortable, allowing time to settle in, recover from the journey and receive an initial introduction to the trek ahead.
Altitude
1,340m
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 2
Kathmandu → Kathmandu
Spend the day exploring significant cultural and religious sites in the Kathmandu Valley. The programme introduces Nepal's Hindu and Buddhist heritage before the journey moves towards the Everest region.
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 3
Kathmandu → Phakding
Travel by road towards Ramechhap and continue by mountain flight to Lukla. After meeting the trekking team, begin walking through the lower Khumbu landscape towards Phakding, following the valley and settlements beside the Dudh Koshi corridor.
Duration
Approx. 3 hours trekking
Altitude
2,610m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 4
Phakding → Namche Bazaar
Continue through river valleys, villages and suspension bridges before entering the higher Khumbu. The route gradually becomes more demanding as it climbs towards Namche Bazaar, the principal mountain town of the Everest region.
Duration
6-7 hours
Altitude
3,440m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 5
Namche Bazaar → Namche Bazaar
Remain in Namche for a planned acclimatisation day. A gradual exploratory walk may be used to gain elevation before returning to sleep lower, while the remaining time allows further exploration of the town and surrounding Khumbu landscape.
Altitude
3,440m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 6
Namche Bazaar → Tengboche
Leave Namche and continue along mountain trails with changing views across the Khumbu. After descending towards the river, climb again to Tengboche, a settlement closely associated with one of the region's best-known Buddhist monasteries.
Duration
5-6 hours
Altitude
3,860m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 7
Tengboche → Dingboche
Continue deeper into the upper Khumbu as the vegetation gradually thins and the high-altitude character of the landscape becomes more pronounced. The trail passes mountain settlements before reaching Dingboche.
Duration
5-6 hours
Altitude
4,410m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 8
Dingboche → Dingboche
Spend a second dedicated acclimatisation day at Dingboche. Depending on conditions and the group's progress, a controlled hike to higher ground may be used to support adaptation before returning to Dingboche for the night.
Altitude
4,410m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 9
Dingboche → Lobuche
The route continues into a more austere high-mountain environment, crossing open terrain and gradually gaining altitude towards Lobuche. The reduced oxygen and rocky trail make a measured pace increasingly important.
Duration
5-6 hours
Altitude
4,910m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 10
Lobuche → Gorak Shep
Trek from Lobuche towards Gorak Shep, the final settlement used on the approach to Base Camp. Continue across demanding glacial terrain to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 metres, experience the Khumbu Glacier environment, and return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Duration
7-8 hours
Altitude
5,364m at Everest Base Camp
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 11
Gorak Shep → Pheriche
Make an early ascent towards Kala Patthar, the highest point of the itinerary at approximately 5,550 metres. After taking in the high Himalayan panorama, descend through Gorak Shep and continue to the lower settlement of Pheriche.
Duration
7-8 hours
Altitude
5,550m at Kala Patthar
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 12
Pheriche → Namche Bazaar
Retrace the route through the Khumbu, losing significant altitude as the journey returns towards Namche Bazaar. Familiar mountain scenery is experienced from a different perspective during the long descent.
Duration
7-8 hours
Altitude
3,440m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 13
Namche Bazaar → Lukla
Continue down through the lower Khumbu, crossing river sections and settlements encountered earlier in the journey. The final trekking day concludes in Lukla.
Duration
6-7 hours
Altitude
2,840m
Accommodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Day 14
Lukla → Kathmandu
Take the return mountain flight from Lukla to Ramechhap and continue overland to Kathmandu. After the high-altitude journey, the remainder of the day is available for rest.
Duration
Approx. 15-minute flight plus road transfer
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 15
Kathmandu → Kathmandu
Keep a flexible day in Kathmandu. This provides useful contingency within an itinerary that depends on mountain weather and domestic flight operations, while also allowing time for independent exploration or rest when the schedule runs normally.
Accommodation
Hotel
Day 16
Kathmandu → Kathmandu Airport
Transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule, bringing the 16-day Everest Base Camp journey to a close.
Package Details
Review the services covered by the journey and any additional expenses that remain the traveler's responsibility.
Included
Not Included
Route Overview
The journey begins in Kathmandu, travels by road to Ramechhap and by mountain flight to Lukla, then follows the Khumbu trail through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before descending through Pheriche and returning to Kathmandu.
Route Map
A detailed journey map will be available here.
Journey Direction
Start
Kathmandu
End
Kathmandu
The journey begins in Kathmandu, travels by road to Ramechhap and by mountain flight to Lukla, then follows the Khumbu trail through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar before descending through Pheriche and returning to Kathmandu.
Before You Travel
Practical information to help you understand the journey and prepare with confidence.
01
The journey combines hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with locally operated teahouses or mountain lodges along the trekking route. Facilities generally become simpler as altitude increases.
02
Teahouses along the established Everest route typically provide a range of Nepali and international-style meals. Dal bhat is widely available, while menu choice may become more limited at higher elevations.
03
Safe hydration is particularly important at altitude. Travelers should follow the trip team's current water-treatment guidance and avoid drinking untreated water from uncertain sources.
04
The trek is graded Moderate, but the classification should not be mistaken for an easy walk. Long trekking days, uneven terrain, cold conditions and elevations above 5,000 metres create a substantial physical challenge.
05
Regular cardiovascular exercise, hill walking and progressively longer hikes are recommended before departure. Previous technical mountaineering experience is not normally required for the standard trekking route, but good endurance and consistent preparation are important.
06
Everest Base Camp is reached at approximately 5,364 metres, while this itinerary's highest point is Kala Patthar at approximately 5,550 metres. High altitude is therefore one of the defining challenges of the journey.
07
The 16-day programme includes dedicated acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. A gradual pace, adequate hydration and honest communication about symptoms remain essential throughout the ascent.
08
The route enters protected and locally administered areas of the Khumbu. Applicable national park entry requirements, local trekking or Trek-Card requirements, and any other current formalities should be reconfirmed and arranged according to the regulations in force at the time of travel.
09
The planned journey combines road transport between Kathmandu and Ramechhap, mountain flights between Ramechhap and Lukla, and trekking on foot through the Khumbu. Flight arrangements may vary with season, operational conditions and weather.
10
Travelers should keep trekking luggage practical and lightweight. Final baggage limits and porter arrangements must follow the confirmed package, airline restrictions and responsible porter-welfare practices.
11
Charging facilities may be available at many settlements, often for an additional fee. Reliability and availability generally become less predictable higher on the route.
12
Mobile or Wi-Fi connectivity may be available in parts of the Everest region, but speed, coverage and reliability should not be assumed, particularly at higher elevations.
13
Communication options vary by settlement and network conditions. Travelers should expect intermittent connectivity rather than continuous access throughout the trek.
14
Comprehensive travel insurance suitable for high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended. The policy should be checked carefully for altitude limits, medical treatment, trip disruption and emergency evacuation provisions.
15
A layered clothing system, appropriate trekking footwear, cold-weather protection, sun protection, a suitable daypack and other high-altitude trekking essentials are required. The final packing list should reflect season and current route conditions.
16
Conditions can change rapidly in the Himalayas. Even during popular trekking seasons, travelers should be prepared for cold mornings and nights, strong sun, wind, cloud and possible disruption to mountain flights.
17
The exact guide, porter and support arrangement should follow the confirmed Pleasant Holiday package. Staffing ratios, porter loads, insurance and welfare standards should be clearly defined before publication and booking.
Good to Know
Clear answers to common questions about this journey.
This itinerary is designed as a 16-day journey from arrival in Kathmandu to international departure. It includes trekking days, two planned acclimatisation days and a contingency day in Kathmandu.
The itinerary reaches Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 metres and continues to Kala Patthar, listed for this programme at approximately 5,550 metres. Kala Patthar is the highest point of the itinerary.
The trek is graded Moderate, but it remains a serious high-altitude journey. Travelers should expect long walking days, uneven trails, cold conditions and reduced oxygen as the route climbs above 5,000 metres.
The standard Everest Base Camp trekking route does not normally require technical mountaineering skills. However, good physical preparation, endurance and the ability to walk for several hours on consecutive days are important.
The itinerary includes dedicated days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to support gradual adaptation before moving to higher sleeping elevations. Acclimatisation reduces risk but does not eliminate the possibility of altitude illness.
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are widely used trekking periods for this route. Conditions still vary from year to year, so travelers should prepare for changing mountain weather.
The journey combines hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with teahouses or mountain lodges during the trek. Higher-altitude accommodation is generally simpler than accommodation in Kathmandu.
Yes. Mountain flights are sensitive to weather and operating conditions. The itinerary therefore includes contingency planning, but travelers should still allow flexibility around international connections and onward plans.
Yes. Travelers should check that their insurance is appropriate for high-altitude trekking and review the policy's altitude limits, medical coverage, cancellation provisions and emergency evacuation terms.
Plan Your Journey
Speak with our travel team to discuss dates, private departures, group preferences, and ways to tailor the journey around your plans.
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