Everest Base Camp Short Trek

Your adventure begins with an early morning scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (30 minutes), offering breathtaking Himalayan views. Upon landing at Lukla airport, known as "Tenzing-Hillary Airport", you'll start your trek with a gentle 3-4 hour descent to Phakding (2,651m). The 9km trail winds through beautiful pine and rhododendron forests alongside the Dudh Koshi River, providing perfect opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. This introductory trek helps with gradual acclimatization while offering your first close-up mountain vistas. You'll spend the night in a cozy teahouse lodge in Phakding, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. The day begins with the excitement of landing on Lukla’ s iconic runway, followed by a peaceful hike along the riverside, an ideal start to your Everest View Trek adventure.

Flight: 40 min

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

Travel Distance: 8 km

Simple Lodge

B

The trail awakens with the rush of the Dudh Koshi beneath your boots, its milky waters carving through emerald valleys. You'll dance across swaying suspension bridges adorned with prayer flags, each step offering new perspectives of the Khumbu's cathedral-like forests. The real challenge begins after Monjo, a relentless two-hour ascent where thin air first makes itself known, rewarded by your first breathtaking glimpse of Everest's pyramidal peak floating above the ridge.

Suddenly, Namche Bazaar appears like a vibrant mirage, an amphitheater of colorful lodges, shops, and cafés nestled against the steep mountainside. This is where yak trains deliver supplies and climbers swap stories over cinnamon rolls. As you catch your breath in this high-altitude haven, remember: these two acclimatization days are your secret weapon against the mountains ahead.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Travel Distance: 11 km

Simple Lodge

B

Today, let your body adapt while your spirit soars. Namche’s cobbled streets invite exploration, starting at the Sherpa Museum, where vintage climbing gear and faded summit photos whisper tales of Everest’s pioneers. Later, hike to Khumjung through rhododendron forests, passing mani walls carved with ancient mantras. Here, the Hillary School’s laughter-filled courtyard reveals the human legacy behind the peaks.

The afternoon rewards those who ascend to the Everest View Hotel. Sip a steaming latte at 3,880m as the world’s highest mountains parade outside the window, Everest’s black pyramid, Lhotse’s razor edge, and Ama Dablam’s graceful ice curtain. Return downhill for a leisurely evening; perhaps browse the Saturday market for yak wool souvenirs or simply watch the sunset paint the town in gold from your lodge’s cozy dining room.

Simple Lodge

B

The morning trail unfurls like a prayer flag, descending through fragrant pine forests to the Dudh Koshi's thunderous gorge. Cross swaying bridges adorned with wind-whipped prayers, then begin the sacred climb, each switchback revealing Ama Dablam's icy flanks glowing like a jewel. Rhododendron blooms guide your way through Sanasa village, where woolly dzopios (yak-cow hybrids) graze beneath Everest's watchful gaze.

Arriving at the hilltop monastery feels like stepping into a mandala. Time your visit for the 3 PM puja ceremony, where monks' resonant chants mingle with trumpet shells echoing off Nuptse's walls. As dusk falls, stand on the monastery grounds, surrounded by 360 degrees of Himalayan glory, and understand why this is called "the place where the gods whisper.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Travel Distance: 10 km

Simple Lodge

B

The trek kicks off with a spirited descent through misty rhododendron groves. steady ascent then opens up to stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and the striking Ama Dablam. The landscape transforms dramatically from lush vegetation to alpine meadows dotted with yak herds and Buddhist prayer stones.

Arriving in Dingboche (4,410m), you'll find a picturesque Sherpa village surrounded by terraced fields of barley and potatoes. This high-altitude oasis offers cozy tea houses with stunning valley views, perfect for acclimatization. Spend the afternoon exploring the village or simply soaking in the majestic Himalayan scenery. The evening brings spectacular sunsets, painting the snow-capped peaks in golden hues, making this one of the trek's most memorable stops.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs.

Travel Distance: 9 km

Simple Lodge

B

Dingboche serves as a vital acclimatization stop for Everest-bound trekkers, offering breathtaking views of Ama Dablam and Lhotse. The village's terraced fields, protected by ancient stone walls, showcase resilient high-altitude crops like barley and potatoes.

We spent our acclimatization day exploring Nagarjun Hill or Chhukung Valley, both rewarding hikes revealing panoramic Himalayan vistas. From Makalu's towering massif to Taboche's sharp ridges and Ama Dablam's iconic pyramid, these viewpoints provided unforgettable perspectives of the Khumbu region while helping our bodies adjust to the altitude. The crisp mountain air and ever-present views of Imja Tse made this essential rest day both therapeutic and spectacular.

Simple Lodge

B

Our trek begins with a steady climb to Duglha (4,620m) at the foot of the Khumbu Glacier's terminal moraine. The route then steepens toward Chupki Lhara ridge, where hundreds of fluttering prayer flags mark moving memorials to fallen climbers, including mountaineering legends Scott Fischer and Babu Chiri Sherpa.

Traversing the glacier's rocky moraine, we're rewarded with breathtaking views of Khumbutse (6,636m), Lingtren (6,749m), and Pumori's (7,161m) icy flanks. The final stretch eases as we follow the valley to Lobuche, where the high-altitude settlement sits dramatically against a backdrop of the Mahalangur Himal range – a powerful reminder of our proximity to Everest's domain.

Hiking: 3-4 hrs.

Travel Distance: 4 km

Simple Lodge

B

Today presents our greatest test as we climb through barren moraines to Gorak Shep (5,164m), the final outpost before Everest's legendary base camp. The thin air bites as we navigate boulder-strewn trails, each step bringing us closer to the roof of the world. The thin air makes each step demanding, but the unfolding panorama of Pumori's ridges and Nuptse's towering face keeps spirits high.

After a quick refreshment at Gorak Shep, we push forward across the Khumbu Glacier's surreal ice formations. Reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m) delivers an unforgettable rush of achievement, standing where legends begin their summit bids, surrounded by the Himalayas' mightiest peaks. The vibrant prayer flags snap in the wind as we take in the Khumbu Icefall's jagged beauty and the imposing southwest face of Everest. As daylight fades, we return to Gorak Shep, our hearts full of memories that will last a lifetime.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Travel Distance: 13 km

Simple Lodge

B

We begin before dawn, trekking by headlamp up Kala Patthar’ s steep slopes (5,545m). The challenging ascent rewards us with the Himalaya's greatest spectacle: first light illuminating Everest's summit pyramid, Nuptse's razor-edged face, and Lhotse's towering wall in blazing golden hues.

After soaking in these unparalleled 360-degree views, we descend through alpine meadows to Pheriche (4,240m). The trail winds past yak pastures and summer settlements, with Ama Dablam dominating the skyline. At Pheriche's tranquil village, we celebrate our achievements over warm meals in cozy lodges, surrounded by the very peaks we've conquered.

Hiking: 7-8 hrs.

Travel Distance: 16 km

Simple Lodge

B

Our descent continues through rhododendron forests and across suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, with Ama Dablam's iconic peak remaining our constant companion. As we drop nearly 1,000 meters in elevation, the air grows richer and the landscapes greener with each step.

Arriving in vibrant Namche Bazaar, the contrast is exhilarating - from mountain solitude to the Himalaya's most famous trekking hub. We'll relish hot showers, celebrate with fresh bakery treats, and browse for souvenirs among the colorful market stalls. This evening in Nepal's "Sherpa capital" offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on our high-altitude achievements while enjoying well-earned comforts.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Travel Distance: 20 km

Simple Lodge

B

The final trekking day follows the Dudh Koshi River valley through pine forests and traditional villages, retracing our steps with newfound appreciation. The trail descends past mani walls and prayer wheels, offering farewell glimpses of Kongde Ri and the peaks we've come to know so well.

Arriving in Lukla, we're greeted by the cheerful chaos of this alpine airstrip town. Tonight we celebrate our completed adventure - sharing stories over dinner, exchanging contact details with new friends, and toasting to challenges overcome. The clink of Everest beers and laughter in Lukla's lodges make the perfect finale for our Himalayan journey.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs.

Travel Distance: 19 km

Simple Lodge

B

An unforgettable morning flight from Lukla's dramatic runway, offering final aerial views of the snow-capped peaks we've trekked beneath. As the plane descends into Kathmandu Valley, the transition from mountain wilderness to urban energy begins.

Back in the capital, we'll transfer to our hotel where hot showers and soft beds await. The afternoon is yours to revisit favorite Thamel shops, explore Durbar Square's temples, or simply relax with a celebratory meal. Tonight, as we raise our glasses one last time, those majestic Himalayan vistas will already feel like precious memories.

Flight: 40 min

Hotel

B

Enjoy a leisurely morning before we transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. As you leave, take with you memories of Himalayan vistas, Sherpa smiles, and your own incredible achievement. Safe travels!

B

  Ø  The best times for this trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for favorable weather and clear mountain views.

  Ø  The EBC Short Trek is manageable for trekkers with some hiking experience, but it's important to be prepared for high altitudes and some challenging terrain.

  Ø  The maximum group size can vary, but it's often limited to ensure a better trekking experience and minimize environmental impact.

  Ø  While hiring a guide is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for safety and navigation, especially if you're not experienced in high-altitude trekking.

  Ø  You will need the Sagarmatha National Park Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit, both of which can be obtained in Kathmandu or Lukla.

  Ø  A good level of physical fitness is necessary, as the trek involves long days of hiking with altitude gain. Regular exercise and cardiovascular training are advisable.

  Ø  Essential items include warm clothing, a good pair of hiking boots, a down jacket, trekking poles, a daypack, and a sleeping bag. Packing light is important.

  Ø  Highlights include breathtaking mountain views, visiting the vibrant Sherpa villages, reaching Everest Base Camp, and experiencing the culture of the region.

  Ø  Risks include altitude sickness, extreme weather, and challenging terrain. Trekkers should be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions. Adequate travel insurance is also recommended.

  Ø  The cost can vary depending on the trekking agency, level of service, and group size. On average, it can range from $1,500 to $2,500 or more.

  Ø  Some customization is possible. You can add side trips like a visit to Kala Patthar for a panoramic view of Mount Everest. Discuss options with your trekking agency.

  Ø  Yes, altitude sickness is a concern due to the high altitudes you'll reach. It's crucial to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and be aware of symptoms.

  Ø  Yes, there are teahouses and lodges along the trail, providing accommodation and meals. You'll find basic but comfortable options in most villages.

  Ø  It's advisable to book through a reputable trekking agency before your trip. They can assist with permits, accommodations, and logistics.