About This Trek
The Everest Base Camp trek is a gradual and immersive journey into the heart of the Khumbu region, beginning with a scenic flight into Lukla and a steady progression through traditional Sherpa villages like Phakding and Namche Bazaar. As the trail unfolds, trekkers spend time acclimatising while exploring local culture, monasteries, and panoramic viewpoints before moving higher into landscapes dominated by towering peaks like Ama Dablam and Lhotse.
The route continues through Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, allowing the body to adjust to altitude while experiencing the raw beauty of the Himalayas. The final push takes you to Gorak Shep and onward to Everest Base Camp, followed by a sunrise hike to Kala Patthar for one of the most iconic views of Mount Everest. The descent retraces the route, offering a chance to reflect on the journey while gradually returning to lower altitudes.
Why Trek This With Karan
EBC is one of the world's most iconic treks — and because of that, it's often done badly. Large commercial batches, rushed schedules, poor acclimatisation management. My approach is the opposite: small custom groups, careful altitude gain, and a leader who knows what altitude does to the body and manages it accordingly.
I've led groups at altitude up to 6,250m. I carry oxygen, a full wilderness first aid kit, and the certification to use them. The Khumbu is stunning — and it demands the same respect as any serious high-altitude environment.
Who Is This For
- Trekkers with prior moderate-to-challenging hiking experience
- Anyone with prior high-altitude experience (3,000m+) — strongly preferred
- Groups of 4–10 who want the EBC experience led personally, not handed to a local agency
- People who want to understand what they're doing, not just walk to a sign and take a photo
You should be comfortable with 6–8 hour days at altitude and carrying a day pack. Prior altitude experience is strongly recommended — those who have trekked to 4,000m+ previously tend to perform significantly better.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Scenic mountain flight to Lukla (2,860m) — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches. A gentle trek along the Dudh Koshi river through small villages and forest trails to Phakding. Walk: ~3 hrs.
Cross multiple famous suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Koshi river, then the long climb up through forest to Namche Bazaar — the gateway to the high Khumbu, and the most important acclimatisation stop on the route. Walk: ~6 hrs.
A critical acclimatisation day — not a rest day. Short hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) or Khumjung village for altitude exposure, then return to sleep lower. Explore Namche's market, monastery, and Sherpa culture.
A spectacular trail with constant mountain views — Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the first clear sight of Everest's summit from the ridge. Descend to the Dudh Koshi, then climb to Tengboche and its famous monastery. Walk: ~5 hrs.
Descend through forest, cross rivers, and ascend into increasingly open alpine terrain — the landscape becomes more lunar and dramatic. Dingboche is a Khumbu high-altitude village with direct views of Lhotse's south face. Walk: ~5 hrs.
Second key acclimatisation day. Hike to the Nangkartshang viewpoint (5,083m) or toward Chhukung for altitude exposure and panoramic views of the Amphu Lapcha, Island Peak, and Makalu. Essential preparation for the days ahead.
Trek through high-altitude moraine terrain past the Thukla memorial — stone cairns for climbers lost on Everest. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and powerful. Lobuche sits below the Khumbu glacier. Walk: ~5 hrs.
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,164m), drop packs, and continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) on the Khumbu glacier. A profound place — the staging ground for all Everest expeditions. Return to Gorak Shep for the night. Walk: ~8 hrs total.
Pre-dawn start (typically 4am) for the climb to Kala Patthar (5,545m) — the highest point of the trek. Sunrise over Everest from here is one of the great views in mountaineering. Descend all the way to Pheriche. Long day: ~8 hrs.
Long descent through increasingly lush terrain — rhododendron forests returning, the body gratefully losing altitude. Back through Tengboche and down to Namche. Walk: ~6–7 hrs.
Final trail day — familiar terrain, but different in feeling. Back through suspension bridges and forests to Lukla. Celebratory dinner. Overnight Lukla.
Morning flight back to Kathmandu. Trek ends. The rest of the day is yours.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Trek leadership by Karan throughout
- Local guide & porter support
- All teahouse accommodation on trek
- All meals on trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Sagarmatha National Park permit & TIMS
- First aid kit & emergency oxygen
- Lukla flight (Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu)
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Pre-trek briefing & kit guidance
Excluded
- International flights to Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory — must cover 6,000m+)
- Hotel in Kathmandu (pre/post trek)
- Personal snacks, beverages, tips
- Emergency evacuation costs (covered by insurance)
Important Notes
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory
- Lukla flights are weather-dependent and can be delayed — build buffer days into your international travel
- Minimum fitness: 6–8 hour hiking days over sustained terrain at high altitude
- Prior altitude experience above 3,500m is strongly recommended
- Group size: 4–10 people