Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Trip Grade: Strenuous
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: Everest Region
  • Trip Style: Active/ Adventure Trekking
  • Age Group: 10 or Above
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Fully Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 5,644 m
  • Best Season: April-May, September-October
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

In the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days, you will trek the classic 130 km route to Everest Base Camp in the Mahalangur Himalayan sub-range. En route, you will savor the tranquil Tengboche Monastery, the wilderness of Sagarmatha National Park, warm hospitality, and Sherpa culture. Finally, you will wind your way up to Kala Patthar at 5,644m to get the best views of Everest and surrounding peaks.

Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days

  • Scenic mountain flight next to marvels of the Himalayas with unparalleled views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and Thamserku.
  • Discover a beacon of culture at Tengboche Monastery. Explore the ethnic villages, socialize with locals, and feast on Nepalese cuisine.
  • Soaked in the earthly charm of Sagarmatha National Park, enjoy the finest of flora and fauna, including Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, and Indian leopard.
  • Be in awe of the sunrise view at Kala Patthar. Relish in the breathtaking scenery encircled by giants of the Himalayas.

The 12-day EBC trek begins with a scenic aerial experience from Kathmandu to Lukla that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. However, the actual trek kicks off with a hike from Lukla along the Dudh Koshi River and through the picturesque villages.

Prepare to be awe-struck when making your way to Phakding for the views just get better. The next day, you’ll pull up at Namche and acclimatize for two nights before heading off to Tengboche. The journey pays you well with an up-close view of Ama Dablam and Nuptse among many other mountains.

The next day, visit the Tengboche Monastery and leave for Dingboche; your next pit stop in the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days for acclimatization. From here, you’ll make a tedious climb to Lobuche for a peaceful night then move higher up to Gorakshep for lunch.

After a brief respite, you’ll head to Everest Base Camp through the moraines of Khumbu Glacier which go as far as the eye can see. A mesmerizing panorama of Mt Everest will entice you from afar.

Meanwhile, Kala Patthar awaits you with far better views from the highest point reachable on this trek. As you reach the acme, enjoy the morning horizon then detour to Pheriche. Finally, retreat to Lukla via the same route and board another epic mountain flight back to Kathmandu.

Is the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days for Me?

The 12-Day EBC Trek is for everyone who awaits to venture the classic trek route but minds the technical challenges. It rightly blends the thrill of the journey with the comfort of teahouses, offering trekkers the best experience.

Like our all-inclusive trip, the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days provides adequate time for acclimatization and rest. The two days at Namche and Dingboche are preset to acclimatize before you hit the trails to base camp.

All the preparations have been made with trekkers' comfort in mind. The itinerary follows a standard route, starting from Lukla and reaching the Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. On the EBC trek, you’ll reach a maximum elevation of 5,644m at Kala Patthar and 5,140m at Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

The travel package incorporates a restful break after every hike to ensure that trekkers are well-prepared for the next leg of the adventure. So, even when everyday trekking involves 6-7 hours of hiking, you’ll have enough time to regain energy. Thus, if you prepare for the base camp well, this will be a rewarding trip with no glitches.

How Is the 12-Day EBC Trek Different from the 14-Day EBC Trek?

The only thing the 12-day plan differs from the 14-day Everest trek is that it misses out on the accommodation in Kathmandu, implying that you take care of it yourself. Other personal expenses and meals during your stay in Kathmandu are also excluded from the package. We advise you to bring extra cash for booking the accommodation of your choice.

Otherwise, the 12-Day EBC Trek is no different from the 14-Day EBC Trek, sharing a common trek route and a well-devised itinerary. Both treks undertake a long journey, led by an experienced guide with extra crew members and porters, ensuring your comfort and safety.

Like the classic 14-day trek, the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek follows a well-defined route to limit the risk. It even takes the acclimatization and accommodation into consideration, promising a safe and hassle-free trip. The trek also looks after all the required permits, internal flights, and transfers.

If you think that’s too much work then make online reservations. You’ll get a much better deal that way and have total control over your stay with varied options to suit your needs.

Cost for 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Including Guide and Porter

The general cost of a 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is around USD 1100 to USD 1400. This includes the round-trip flight from Lukla, a mid-range teahouse accommodation, a trekking permit, a porter, and food, among other things.

Individual outlays like high-end lodgings, supplemental charges, and activity costs are excluded from the package fee. Be informed that, the cost doesn’t cover personal spending and indulgence either.

You’re expected to take care of the accommodation before and after the trek. But fear not as there are varied accommodation options available in Kathmandu. You can find anything from budget to luxury five-star in the city center and even farther out.

The travel hub also has a long list of attractions - historic sites, holy shrines, and botanical gardens- welcoming all. You can find some of Nepal’s finest restaurants here to savor the authentic dishes and Newari cuisines.

As you plan your budget, bring a cash equivalent of USD 200 for personal pursuits like shopping, drinks, and snacks. You can also use it to pay for the service rendered such as battery charge, wi-fi, and tips.

Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days Gallery

Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days Itinerary

  • Day 1:Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to PhakdingAltitude: 2,610 m
  • Day 2:Trek to Namche BazaarAltitude: 3,440 m
  • Day 3:Acclimatization at Namche BazaarAltitude: 3,440 m
  • Day 4:Trek to TengbocheAltitude: 3,800 m
  • Day 5:Trek to DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 m
  • Day 6:Acclimatization Day in DingbocheAltitude: 4,410 m
  • Day 7:Trek to LobucheAltitude: 4,940 m
  • Day 8:Trek to Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp and Back to GorakshepAltitude: 5,164 m
  • Day 9:Trek to Kala Patthar and Descent to PhericheAltitude: 4,371 m
  • Day 10:Trek to NamcheAltitude: 3,440 m
  • Day 11:Trek to Phakding and then to LuklaAltitude: 2,860 m
  • Day 12:Flight to Kathmandu

Day 1:Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and Trek to Phakding

  • Max Altitude2,610 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsLunch and Dinner

Early this morning, you’ll fly to Lukla, gazing upon marvelous mountain vistas and deep ravines. After you arrive, you’ll meet your porters to hand over your luggage. Once equipped, you’ll start hiking along the Dudh Koshi River and into the small village of Ghat. Follow the main EBC trail and you’ll arrive at Phakding. Overnight stay at teahouse.

Day 2:Trek to Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3,440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll resume the trek crossing the Dudh Koshi River and heading up Monjo through rhododendron and pine forests. After crossing the river, look up to see the splendor of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. Turn up to Monjo and take a break for lunch.

The walk gets strenuous from here with a steep ascent into the Sagarmatha National Park and across the river. Rise upstream and relish the first glimpse of Mt Everest, Lhotse, Tawache, and Ama Dablam. End the day in Namche.

Day 3:Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar

  • Max Altitude3,440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Given the difficulty and altitude of the trek above Namche, you’ll spend this day acclimatizing to the altitude. The plan is to ascend to a higher point and revert to Namche overnight. Bear in mind, that the altitude sickness in the Himalayas is real and can wear down even the fittest. So you must stay calm and follow the instructions of the guide.

There are plenty of ways to acclimatize while in Namche. You can go on an optional hike to Everest View Hotel or walk up to the Sherpa Museum and dig deep into the rich history and culture of Sherpa communities.

Day 4:Trek to Tengboche

  • Max Altitude3,800 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today’s trek continues through the scenic village of Sanasa followed by a swift descent to Phunkithanga. You’ll walk through pine and rhododendron forests along the mani stones that lead to Tengboche. Here, you’ll find the most prominent monastery in the region, providing an insight into Buddhist culture and tradition.

Day 5:Trek to Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4,410 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Walking alongside the panorama of Kwangde, Tawachee, and Ama Dablam, you’ll descend to a pristine forest and cross the Imja Khola. You’ll trek via Pangboche and weave through the pastures heading to Dingboche. Stay overnight in a teahouse.

Day 6:Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

  • Max Altitude4,410 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is another acclimatization day. Here in Dingboche, you can hike Nagarjun Hill, Chukhung Valley, or the Ama Dablam Base Camp - anyone your guide recommends or that compliments your physical skills. Remember, these hikes are short but the steep terrains can leave you out of breath.

Once the sightseeing is done, you’ll return to Dingboche and spend the night in a teahouse.

Day 7:Trek to Lobuche

  • Max Altitude4,940 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

From Dingboche, you’ll trek higher to the steep ridge and onto the wide terrain that unwinds north of Lobuche Peak. Then, you’ll cross the Khumbu Khola and take a break at Dughla for lunch.

From there, you’ll ascend a steep trail to the crest of a glacial moraine, where the memorial cairns built in memory of trekkers and Sherpas are lined up. Further, you’ll follow the trail to the valley stream and arrive at Lobuche.

Day 8:Trek to Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp and Back to Gorakshep

  • Max Altitude5,164 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This morning the panorama of Mt Everest is closer than ever before. You can enjoy the scenic backdrop while having your breakfast at Lobuche. It takes a good few hours through the terminal moraine of Khumbu Glacier to arrive at Gorakshep.

After a quick respite and lunch, you’ll head off to the camp following a rocky terrain via Khumbu icefall. Far into the distance, the colorful tent leaps out in the snow. Upon arriving here, you’ll see the mountain views of Everest, Nuptse, Khumbutse, and Pumori. Past the sightseeing, you’ll retrace your steps to Gorakshep.

Day 9:Trek to Kala Patthar and Descent to Pheriche

  • Max Altitude4,371 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up early to catch the sunrise view in Kala Patthar at 5,644 m. This is the highest possible point you can reach in the EBC Trek 12 Days. The walk is physically challenging due to the increasing altitude and rocky terrain. But once you see the views atop, all the fatigue disappears into thin air.

The scenes of Pumori, Ama Dablam, Changtse, Taweche, Kantega, and Mt Everest all lined up with Kala Patthar will catch you off guard. After a brief visit, you’ll return to Gorak Shep and descend to Pheriche for an overnight stay.

Day 10:Trek to Namche

  • Max Altitude3,440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, you’ll descend the Imja Khola River and return to Namche through Pangboche and Tengboche. As you ascend to Trashinga, the sweeping view of Ama Dablam will pop up right ahead. From here, the trail weaves high up to the valley and onto Namche Bazaar where you’ll spend the night.

Day 11:Trek to Phakding and then to Lukla

  • Max Altitude2,860 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

On the last day of the 12-day EBC Trek, you’ll trail back to Lukla, following the Dudh Koshi River and into the blue pine and rhododendron forest. Further, you’ll walk past Monjo and trek via Phakding to Lukla with views of Kusum Kanguru along the trail. Overnight stay in a teahouse.

Day 12:Flight to Kathmandu

    Early in the morning, you’ll take a short flight to Kathmandu, which lasts half an hour. When you arrive, you can return to the accommodation of your choice.

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    Cost Details

    Included

    • 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
    • Tea house accommodation along the trail for 11 nights
    • Domestic flight to Lukla and back
    • Guide and porter for the trekking (1 porter for two people, a porter can carry up to 20 kg)
    • Sagarmatha National Park Entrance Fee
    • TIMS Card fee
    • Khumbu Rural Municipality Fee
    • Down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bags, (should be refunded to the company after the trip)
    • Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and the Tax department
    • All the necessary insurance for guides and porters
    • First Aid service in case of minor injuries
    • Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters

    Excluded

    • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
    • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft, or damage to baggage and baggage items (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
    • All alcoholic drinks and drinks besides those included in the 3 standard meals per day
    • Nepal entry visa fee
    • Tipping for guides and Porter

    Dates, Prices & Booking

    Select Month and Year
    Start DateEnd DatePriceStatus 
    Start DateStart: SaturdayNov 09, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayNov 20, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayNov 10, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayNov 21, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayNov 13, 2024End DateEnd: SundayNov 24, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayNov 16, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayNov 27, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayNov 17, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayNov 28, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayNov 20, 2024End DateEnd: SundayDec 01, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayNov 23, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 04, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SundayNov 24, 2024End DateEnd: ThursdayDec 05, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: WednesdayNov 27, 2024End DateEnd: SundayDec 08, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable
    Start DateStart: SaturdayNov 30, 2024End DateEnd: WednesdayDec 11, 2024PricePriceUS$1150StatusStatusAvailable

    Trip Essential Information

    Sleeping and Dining on the Trek

    The accommodation on the 12-Day EBC Trek is in cozy mountain teahouses operated by family-friendly locals. The rooms are often on a twin-sharing basis, equipped with a bed. The blanket and pillow are provided for your stay at a teahouse, but even if they don’t, we’ll provide a sleeping bag to all.

    All your meals during the EBC trek are included in the booking price. We’ll provide you with three meals a day during the trek but the ones in Kathmandu are excluded from it. The food choices on the trek are varied, ranging from typical Nepali dal-bhat to Thukpa, dumplings, and pizza.

    They are nutritious and provide enough energy to sustain the trek. Plenty of teahouses also offer meat along the trail but we don’t advise consuming meat for sanitation and safety reasons.

    Related Trips in the Everest Region

    Classic Everest Base Camp TrekEverest Base Camp Luxury Trek | Sleeping at Everest Base Camp Trek | Everest Helicopter Tour | EBC Trek with Helicopter Return

    FAQs

    • The Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days isn’t as tough as many believe. It’s within the competence of most trekkers unless they aren’t fit or comfortable to high altitude. The trek is physically demanding with many steep climbs and rugged terrains, but it’s often the altitude that gives trekkers a hard time.

    • Permits are mandatory for the 12-day EBC Trek. You’ll need a TIMS card, a Khumbu Municipality Rural Permit, and an entry permit to Sagarmatha National Park. But there is nothing to worry about since your tour company will take care of it.

    • The 12-day Everest Trek is a 130 km roundtrip from Lukla to base camp and back. The standard itinerary is devised to complete the trek in 12 days without any hassle. The trek is well-planned with enough days for rest and acclimatization.

    • The best time to trek to the Everest region is during Spring (late March-May) and Autumn (early September-December) when the skies are clear with no overcast. At both these times, the weather is pleasant with mornings as radiant as ever and no sweltering heat. The temperature in these seasons varies along with the altitude so you’ll have to be prepared regardless.

    Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days Reviews

    5.0based on 11 reviews
    • S
      Stacey PittOctober 26, 2023
      TripAdvisor

      Amazing Trek, Best Guides

      We were a little concerned about doing this classic Trek in early autumn. It did rain in the lower areas but only briefly. Mr. Ram from Sublime Trails got the best guides for our group and we were fully taken care of during the entire trip. The views got splendid with each passing day as our guides ensured we were hydrated and acclimatizing well to the terrain. I'll never forget how I felt reaching the Everest Base Camp, which had been my dream destination for as long as I remember

    • R
      Ronnie ColemanOctober 28, 2022
      TripAdvisor

      Lifelong experience on world's highest base camp, EBC

      Sublime Trails became one of the best travel agents in Nepal. All thanks to Mr. Ram for managing this trip. Everest trekking became reality this year as I got fantastic opportunity to hike to the world's highest mountain.

      My overall experience remained good with the best trek guide and the entire crew. I'm coming back to Nepal some years later for further trekking with Mr. Ram and his fantastic team.

      The entire landscape of Everest was surreal. The mesmerizing time now lives in me.

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