Everest Base Camp Trek 2026: Complete 12-Day Itinerary, Cost, and Preparation Guide

Who this trek is for

EBC is moderately challenging. You need cardio fitness (ability to hike 6–8 hours a day for 12 consecutive days), no altitude history issues, and mental tolerance for basic teahouse conditions (squat toilets, cold rooms, variable food quality). It is not technical — no ice axes, no ropes, no rock climbing. Children from age 14 and adults into their 60s complete the trek regularly with adequate preparation.

Standard 12-day itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly Kathmandu (1,400 m) → Lukla (2,860 m). Trek to Phakding (2,610 m). 3 hrs.
2. Day 2: Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). 6 hrs. Steep afternoon climb.
3. Day 3: Acclimatization at Namche. Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) and return. 3 hrs, then rest.
4. Day 4: Namche → Tengboche (3,860 m). 5 hrs. Visit Tengboche Monastery.
5. Day 5: Tengboche → Dingboche (4,410 m). 5 hrs.
6. Day 6: Acclimatization at Dingboche. Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m) and return.
7. Day 7: Dingboche → Lobuche (4,940 m). 5 hrs.
8. Day 8: Lobuche → Gorak Shep (5,164 m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Return to Gorak Shep. 8–9 hrs.
9. Day 9: Early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for Everest panorama. Descend to Pheriche (4,270 m). 7 hrs.
10. Day 10: Pheriche → Namche Bazaar. 7 hrs.
11. Day 11: Namche → Lukla. 7 hrs.
12. Day 12: Fly Lukla → Kathmandu.

Permits and costs (2026)

• Sagarmatha National Park entry: NPR 3,000 (foreigners) / NPR 1,500 (SAARC nationals).
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit: NPR 2,000.
• Guide (mandatory as of 2023 for solo foreigners): USD 25–35/day.
• Porter: USD 18–25/day, carries up to 20 kg.
• Teahouse lodging: USD 5–10/night in 2026 (higher at Lobuche/Gorak Shep).
• Meals: USD 25–40/day at altitude.
• Lukla flights: USD 180–220 round trip from Kathmandu (or helicopter ~USD 500).

Typical guided package including all permits, lodging, meals, guide, porter, and Lukla flights: NPR 100,000–220,000 in 2026 depending on agency and group size. Premium operators charge NPR 250,000+ for single-room upgrades and larger food menu.

Best seasons

October–November is peak season: clear skies, stable weather, busy trails. March–April is secondary peak: warmer, rhododendrons blooming, occasional afternoon snow above Dingboche. Avoid June–August (monsoon — flights to Lukla cancel frequently) and December–February (cold, some passes closed).

Altitude and acclimatization

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk starts above 2,500 m and becomes serious above 4,000 m. The itinerary above includes two mandatory acclimatization days (Namche, Dingboche) following the 'climb high, sleep low' principle. Additional measures:

• Drink 3–4 liters of water daily.
• Ascend no more than 300–500 m in sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 m.
• Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) as prescribed by your doctor.
• Recognize symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath. Descend immediately if symptoms worsen.

Physical preparation

Start 4–6 months ahead. Core program:

• Cardio: 4 sessions/week, 45–60 min. Mix of running, cycling, stair climbing.
• Long hikes: once weekly, building to 6–8 hours with a weighted pack (8–10 kg).
• Strength: squats, lunges, calf raises, core 2x/week.
• Final month: hike back-to-back long days to simulate trail fatigue.

Gear essentials

Rent heavier items in Thamel or Namche rather than buying:

• Down jacket (-20°C rating), fleece, base layers.
• Waterproof shell jacket and pants.
• Trekking boots (broken in before you fly).
• Sleeping bag (-15°C rating minimum).
• Trekking poles.
• Headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm.
• Water purification (SteriPen or tablets).

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