12 Days Everest Base Camp Short Trek - 12 Days
12 Days
Everest
Moderate
Flight: Ktm-Lua-KTM
September to May
Teahouse
Everest is more than a mountain, and reaching its base camp is more than a trek. Everest Base Camp Journey ( EBC Trek) is one of the best treks in the world. The world’s highest mountain, Mt.Everest (29,029 ft/ 8,848.68m) is centered in this trek. Every turn in the trail, termed "the stairs to paradise" by some, offers another photo opportunity: gorgeous woods, Sherpa communities, glacier moraines, and slopes.
The high-altitude trek through the Sherpa country area brings you to the base of the world's tallest peak passing through hilltop monasteries, Himalayan market towns, and craggy peaks. These give vibes of a path following the footsteps of famous mountaineers Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay the early pioneers. Eventually, make your way to the iconic starting point for all Everest expeditions.
Explore the challenging trekking trails around the world's tallest peak for jaw-dropping beauty and a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. Nepal Social Trek offers you a 12 days trek, which is undoubtedly one of the best walks on the earth.
Why you’ll Love This Trek!
- You’ll get the chance to explore the adventure flight to Lukla Airport (2,845m), one of the uttermost airports in the world
- Explore making a short trek of 12 days with your own kind of accommodations feasible on your own in Kathmandu.
- Opportunity to learn about the Sherpa people's culture and way of life.
- The spectacular view of the world’s highest peak, Mt.Everest 8,848.68m 29,029ft.
- Stunning views of other peaks such as Mt.Lhotse (8,516m), Cho-Oyu (8,201m), and Mt.Makalu (8,463m)
- Wide range of flora and fauna
- The breathtaking sight in the entire trail along with Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier (4,900m) will catch your eyes
- Takes you to the world’s most famous viewpoint, Kala Patthar (5643m).
- Relish a 360- degree panoramic view of Mt.Everest, Pumori, Lingtren, Nuptse, and Changtse.
- Most amazing sunshine emerged over the high Himalayas.
This is a short version of our Regular 15 Days Everest Base Camp Trek. If you would like to join our trekking part only and you want to take care of Kathamndu hotel and logistics then this 12 days Short Everest Base Camp Trek is a great choice for you.
12 Days Everest Base Camp Short Trek Itinerary
| Day | Description | Altitude (Meters) | Trekking Duration |
| 1 | Morning Flight to Lukla (2,840m) and Trek to Phakding | 2,610 | 4 hours |
| 2 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3,440 | 6 hours |
| 3 | Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar | 3,440 | N/A |
| 4 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche | 3,860 | 5 hours |
| 5 | Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche | 4,410 | 5 hours |
| 6 | Acclimatization Day at Dingboche | 4,410 | N/A |
| 7 | Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche | 4,910 | 4.5 hours |
| 8 | Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Excursion to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) | 5,140 | 7 hours |
| 9 | Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5,643m) and Trek to Pheriche | 4,270 | 7-8 hours |
| 10 | Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar via Tengboche | 3440 | 7 hours |
| 11 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 2,840 | 6 hours |
| 12 | Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu | 1,350 | 40 mins |
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Lukla (2850m) – Trek to Phakding (2640m)
The Classic Everest base camp adventure starts in the early morning with the drive to Tribhuvan Airport that connects our flight to Lukla. The duration of the flight is about 40 minutes, where you will enjoy the stunning views of Himalayas, vast meadows, local farms and the clifftops from the flight itself. Our breakfast will be at the height of 2850m Lukla, and we will start our trekking footsteps through the beautiful settlement, which joins the main trail in Churi Kharka. Further, We'll go along the east bank of the Dudh Koshi, or Milk River. The characteristic Nepali terrace culture, slate roofed buildings, and vistas of Kusum Kangaru(5,579m) can all be witnessed there.
It takes 40 minutes from Kathmandu airport to reach there. After having breakfast in Lukla (2850 m) we will start our trekking footsteps through the beautiful settlements joining the main trail in Churi Kharka. We will follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk. There you will witness the typical Nepali terrace culture, slate-roofed houses, and views on Kusum Kangaru (5 579 m). With the fluttering of colorful prayer flags, meeting with local people we will reach Phakding (2,640m) in gentle walking for 3-4 hours.
The overnight stay will be at the lodge of Phakding (2,640m).
Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m)
On this day, you will walk through pine forest, rustic villages, and occasional yak pastures. Day 2 will be an adventurous hike to Namche Bazaar(3,440m) which requires 6-7 hours of gentle walking from Phakding. Namche Bazaar is the most significant commercial hub of the Khumbu region.
Our day 2 will be a challenging hike to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m) which is situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. Namche Bazaar is the most significant commercial hub of the Khumbu region.After you leave Phakding, you'll continue going along the Dudh Koshi River's narrow route. You'll pass through numerous Sherpa settlements along the way, including Benkar and Chumoa, and cross a few suspension bridges before arriving at the Sagarmatha National Park's Monjo entry gate.We will get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6,608 m) with reaching Benkar (2,710 m). The cliffs above the village, decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities, give it extra beauty.
The route ascends to the settlement of Jorsalle after entering the national park. As the first glimpses of Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, Everest, and Nuptse appear on the horizon, you'll continue going. From Jorsalle, the walk continues up a steep hill to Namche Bazaar, a picturesque settlement. We will also face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests. With our continuous long walk in the early evening we will reach the vibrant centre of Namche Bazar, one of the most attractive settlements in the heart of the Solu-Khumbu district .Colourful marketplaces, hiking stores, luxury restaurants, cafés, and local businesses surround Namche Bazaar. It is known as the Sherpa Capital, and you will be able to see Kongde-Ri and Thamserku up close
The overnight stay will be at the lodge of Namche Bazaar.
Day 3: Acclimatizing day at Namche Bazaar (3440m)
We'll stay a day in Namche since the hike from there is pretty difficult with a rising slope. It is essential to take a leisure day to acclimate to the increasing height and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. A short walk is also necessary on the rest day as well. So, Visits to the Sherwi Khangba Sherpa Culture Museum or a day hike to the Hotel Everest View in Khumjung village (3,700 m) and Khundi Hospital in Khundi Village, the first hospital built in the Khumbu Region by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust in 1966, are on your list of places to see if time allows. The lodge Namche Bazaar would be the same for the
Day 4: Trek to Tengboche (3860m)
After the acclimatization day, Day 4 will be our trek to Tengboche (3,860m). It is a 5-6 hour hike from Namche Bazar. The trek to Tengboche is a dusty switchback road that usually winds along a smooth path, but the panoramic views from the monastery make the trip worthwhile. It offers spectacular views of Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Thamserku (6,618 meters), and Ama Dablam (6 814 m). We will rise to Tengboche by a difficult two-hour ascent after the route descends to the riverbed. We'll pass through rhododendron woods, which are home to musk deer and Himalayan 'tahr,' or mountain goats. This adds to the list of global marvels. You may also enjoy views of Kantega mountain (6 783 m) after arriving at the rest stop. Tengboche is well-known for its Buddhist cultural elements. Tengboche Monastery (where you can attend the daily puja), Cafe Tengboche and the viewpoint, etc. are part of signifying more beauties.
Overnight stay will be at lodge Tengboche.
Day 5: Trek from Tengbouche to Dingboche (4 410 m),
Our fifth day's walk will take us through a conifer and rhododendron forest to the lovely hamlet of Deboche, where we'll get a closer look at Ama Dablam. We'll cross the suspension bridge once more, this time to see the rushing magnificence of the Imja River's white waters. Then we'll pass by a snow-white stupa with beautiful surroundings, which captures the eye and reflects the Ama Dablam. This location is ideal for taking great photographs. After there, the route gently ascends to Pangboche (3 860 m), where we will be rising above the treeline.Before reaching the Dingboche valley, the trail travels through various farmer meadows with large yak herds migrating.
The lodge in the Dingboche will be our home for the night.
Day 6: Rest day in Dingboche (4410m)
Optional acclimatization hike (5-6 hours) to Chhukung (4 730 m) and Chhukung Ri (peak) at 5 550 m on the 6th day. Island Peak (6 189 m), Amphulapche (5 663 m), Baruntse Base Camp (5 400 m), and the white ice lake of Imja Tsho are all spectacular views from there. The acclimatisation day should never be skipped! It's critical to take a day off before travelling to even higher elevations, not just to alleviate weary muscles but also to cope with the thin air. In addition, if you are not physically fit, we urge that you notify your trekking guide as soon as possible and rest instead of hiking.
Dingboche Lodge will be our home for the night.
Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4930m)
After climbing 150 metres to the main road, we will arrive at a viewpoint with spectacular views of Tawachee (6 495 m) and Cholatse mountain (6 440m). The path winds straight up the rough terminal moraine of the Khumbu glaciers for approximately an hour after our lunch camp in Dugla (4 620m). A row of memorial statues honouring lost climbers and Sherpas may be found along the path. The route then descends a little and follows the valley's western edge to Lobuche. We arrive at the little village of Lobuche, which is located at 4 930 metres, after a 4-5 hour hike.
The night will be spent at the Lobuche Lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Gorak Shep (5160m) - Afternoon Everest Base Camp Visit (5364m)
Our 8th day is going to be a fantastic day. The eighth day of our trek will take us to the Everest viewpoint. To begin, the journey will take around 3 hours to reach the little town of Gorakshep, which will be traversed through stones and rugged terrain. As we traverse multiple moraines on our way to Gorak Shep (5160 m), the ascent becomes steeper and more difficult. Pumori's summit will be seen soon (7 145m). At Nuptse (7 864 m), Kala Pattar (5 545 m), and Mount Everest, we get our first sight. We'll be staring down the right side of the Khumbu Glacier, a massive tongue of ice that marches down Everest's slopes. By lunchtime, we'll reach Gorak Shep. The hike of about six to seven hours will allow us to Base camp.Our accommodation for the night will be at a lodge in Gorak Shep, a semi-permanent settlement at the base of the Khumbu Icefall. This is the breathtaking beauty of seeing the shadow of the world's tallest mountain.
The lodge at Gorak Shep will be our home for the night.
Day 9: Trek to Pheriche (4240m)
Early in the morning, we'll ascend to Kala Pathar, also known as the Black Rock, which stands at 5,545 metres and is marked by a tangle of prayer flags. This is the most incredible vista on the planet, offering a 360-degree panorama of Himalayan giants ranging from Pumori and Lobuche West to Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest. After that, we'll return to Gorak Shep via the vantage sites of Pumori and Everest's ice lakes. We will return in 4 hours after breakfast to Pheriche, which is located at (4 240 m).
The lodge at Pheriche will be our home for the night.
Day 10: Pheriche to Namche (3440m) Via Tengboche
On our 10th day, We will descend to the valley of the Imja Khola, trek through the village of Dingboche with its stone-walled potato fields and the highest year-round settlement in the valley. The Pangboche Gompa (monastery) is the oldest in the Khumbu Region. From there, the route climbs to Tengboche through a forest of birches, conifers, and rhododendrons, passing by the little settlement of Deboche and past major walls deep in a rhododendron forest. The singular beauty of Ama Dablam, standing isolated from all other mountains, provides a spectacular backdrop and reminder of the height of Himalayan peaks. Trek continues down to Namche Bazar.
Overnight stay at lodge Namche Bazar.
Day 11: Trek to Lukla (2600m)
This 6-hour trip will begin with a tough drop from Namche Bazaar to the Dud Kosi (hard on the knees), followed by a climb up to Monjo, and then a smooth run to Benkar, Phakding, and Lukla.Lukla will be our home for the night.
Day 12: Fly to Kathmandu
We fly from Lukla to Kathmandu after breakfast. Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and travel to the city. Your guide will drop you at your own booked hotel or pre-arranged hotel with Nepal Social Treks.
Trek Cost Includes
- Kathmandu- Lukla- Kathmandu flight.
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for trekking.
- Tea and coffee during the trekking trip.
- Private transportation to/from airport transfers.
- Provide sleeping bags, duffel bags, and plastic garbage bags for the trek.
- Guide local professionals with extensive experience and are accredited by the Nepalese government.
- First Aid Kit Comprehensive.
- TIMS Card and National park permit for the region (Everest)
- Porters (1 Porter for 2 trekkers) to carry all personal gear and group equipment.
- Adequate insurance for all staff including porters.
- Souvenirs / Gift on departure
- Trekking map for each walker.
Trek Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance, while on trekking, travel insurance should be valid for emergency medical assistance,
- Nepal entry visa fee US$50 for one month which you will get it into Kathmandu airport upon arrival,
- Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, mineral water,
- Tips for trekking guide & porters which is expected,
- International airfare and airport taxes, excess baggage charges.
- Extra cost for a hot shower, battery charge, Telephone, etc.
- Medical evacuation in case of emergency
- Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslides, strikes, political unrest, etc.
Booking
Review
An Unforgettable Annapurna Base Camp Experience!
We had an absolutely incredible experience trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with Nepal Social Treks and Expedition, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! From beginning to end, everything was exceptionally well organized, but what truly made this adventure unforgettable was our amazing team: our guide, Achut Pandey, and our two porters, Niran and Thirtna. Achut was an outstanding guide. He was knowledgeable, professional, patient, kind, and always attentive to how everyone was feeling. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp can be challenging, and having someone we trusted completely made such a difference. Achut knew the mountains and trails incredibly well, kept us informed about what to expect each day, and always made sure we were comfortable, safe, and enjoying the experience. His warmth, encouragement, and sense of humor made even the difficult stretches of the trek enjoyable. Niran and Thirtna were equally amazing. We have so much respect and gratitude for them. They worked incredibly hard throughout the trek and always greeted us with kindness and a smile. If you are considering trekking in Nepal, we wholeheartedly recommend Nepal Social Treks & Expedition. And if you have the opportunity to trek with Achut, Niran, and Thirtna, consider yourself very lucky!
Nepal Social Treks helped us turn a dream into reality.
We have just completed the Annapurna Base Camp private trek with my husband, and it was truly a dream come true! Our guide, Urken Sherpa, was incredibly calm, caring, and supportive throughout the trek. We really appreciated the peace, silence, and privacy of having a private trek. Our porter, Milan, was always smiling and brought so much positive energy to our days. His kindness and cheerful attitude made a real difference throughout the journey. It was our first time in Nepal, and Nepal Social Treks helped us turn a dream into reality. We are so grateful for the wonderful experience and cannot recommend Urken, Milan, and Nepal Social Treks highly enough! Thank you for making this adventure so memorable. ❤️
Trekking Everest Base Camp
I booked the Everest Base Camp trek with this agency, and from the very beginning they were always available to answer any questions or doubts I had. Everything was extremely well organized from start to finish, my guide was fantastic, and we were lucky enough to have perfect weather throughout the trek. It was an absolutely amazing experience, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Can’t wait to come back for another trekking ☺️ Highly recommended!
I booked the 5 day Around Kathmandu Valley tour for my family which was a great experience. Bhim was our tour guide and Deepak drove us around for the five days. The tour went very smoothly and didn't feel rushed at all. Since we went in the tourism off-season, all the stupas, temples, and UNESCO sites weren't very busy. We were able to finish the day's content by 4pm each day, giving plenty of time to rest for the next day. Bhim was very knowledgeable about each site, Nepali history, and was very receptive to our questions on Nepali culture. The hotels for this tour were also great. In particular, "hotel view point" in Nagarkot had a fantastic 360 view, as it actually is at the top of Nagarkot rather than a lot of other hotels down on the slopes. The view was incredible and we got to see some of the Himalayas, which we considered fairly lucky as we went during the cloudy, foggy monsoon season. Nepal Social Treks took complete care of everything from airport pick up to the hotels, and this was just an absolutely no-stress vacation to do some light cultural exploration of Nepal. Overall, would strongly recommend this tour and Nepal Social Treks!
I booked my trip through Nepalviaje (website in spanish) and from the first moment everything was perfect. Starting with Fernando that was answering really fast all our questions, when we arrive to Kathmandu the person waiting for us in the airport was absolutely fantastic, he wait over and hour for us cause it tooks a while to get out of the airport, the hotel for the first and last night is absolutely brilliant, when you arrive to the Office everything is super clear and they make you feel at home. The Trek is a experience of a lifetime, our guide Lhakpa IS the best guide ever and will not only guide you all the way to the base camp but show you things about culture and take care about every single details, lodges are always fantastic with a huge variaty of food. We made it with other girl and all of us reach EBC, Lhakpa will give you all the good advices to make it and the company will take care of everything, even the last day Basu(the manager of the company) call us to provide a helicopter service to come back to Kathmandu as the weather in Lukla was mean to be bad for a couple of days. 10/10 for this company and all the people involve on it
I completed the Everest Base Camp trek starting from Jiri, and it was simply an unforgettable experience. A long and authentic journey, away from the usual routes, that allowed me to experience Nepal in a deep and genuine way. From the very first day, the agency was fantastic: excellent organization, great support, and constant availability. I always felt well taken care of and never had to worry about anything. A truly special thanks to Anchal Magar, who was an outstanding guide in every sense. (A real friend) Always present, attentive, and highly professional, he showed great sensitivity in understanding my needs, adapting the pace and itinerary with care and intelligence. In the most challenging moments, he was a fundamental point of reference, providing reassurance and confidence. Beyond his skills, what stood out the most was his humanity, kindness, and dedication, rare qualities that made this experience even more meaningful. An experience I will carry with me forever!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difficulty level of Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Journey (EBC Trek) is a tough trek. This excursion, however, does not include any challenging terrain or peaks. The road to the base camp is not paved and may become difficult, rocky, and gravel-strewn. Because the EBC trek is two weeks long, a person with a weak ankle must be cautious in every step. On average, a person with a weak ankle must walk for 5 to 6 hours every day.
However, depending on the season, the route may be coated with ice and snow, making it more difficult than a standard trail. However, if you are already an enthusiastic hiker, this will not be a difficulty. Individuals who are embarking on their first trail trip can also achieve success if sufficient preparation is made before departure.
What is the food like in Everest base camp?
The teahouses of Everest Base Camp serve both Nepali as well as western cuisines. Dal Bhat is by far the most preferred meal while trekking in the Himalayas. However, we serve a different menu each day as per your preference. Here’s the list of foods on the menu of Everest Base Camp Trek:
- Breakfast:
Black tea, milk tea, coffee, porridge, toast with spreads, grain cereal, and eggs (served fried, omelet, or boiled), boiled water
- Lunch:
Chapatis, juice, canned tuna, and meats, fresh fruits, potatoes, cheese and gherkins, vegetable, Dal Bhat, momo, chowmein, pizza, boiled water
- Dinner:
Dal Bhat, fried rice, soup, spaghetti, steamed vegetables, pizza, fresh apples, salad, tea, boiled water.
Are we in threat of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) while trekking to Everest Base Camp?
The risk factor of acute mountain sickness differs from person to person. Since you’ll be walking up to 5,550m at Kala Patthar, the risk factor will be present. Although, our packages for Everest Base Camp are thoughtfully designed with proper acclimatization days to reduce the chances of altitude sickness. Furthermore, all our guides are certified first-aid responders who will effectively monitor you and help you, if any symptoms are seen. It is recommended to trek at a slow and steady pace, instead of rushing to reach your destination.
Trekking Clothing/Equipment List for Everest Base Camp Trek?
Trekking Clothing / Equipment List
* Reduce the amount of gear that you need to bring, many trekking gears can be purchased from trekking shops in Kathmandu upon your arrival.
Personal Equipment (for trekking):
· A pair of hiking boots
· A pair of sandals
· Trekking Poles
· Few pairs of socks and Extra warm Shocks
· Two light wool/fleece jacket or sweater
· One wind Gore-Tex jacket
· One Super down Jacket
· A pair of Gore-Tex glove shells with liner or ski gloves
· Sunscreen lotion SPF 10 to 30 and one sunscreen stick SPF 10 to 30
· A one - liter water bottle and water purifier
· Few T-shirts and few long sleeve shirts
· Three pairs of trekking pants (one baggy paint)
· One Rucksack for your daypack
· Flashlight or headlight (w/extra batteries
· Camera (extra film or batteries
· Sun hat
· Sleeping bag -20 comfortable.
· Personal first aid kit (we will also have a group first aid kit)
· Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, toilet paper rolls, bath towel)