Everest Base Camp Budget Trek -12 Days

As part of our 12-day budget Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary, today marks our journey to Lukla for a flight, followed by a trek to Phakding, where we will spend our first night. Upon receiving your booking, we will initiate preparations for the flight, accommodations, permits, and guide arrangements based on the group size, before our meeting in Kathmandu. The day before the trek begins, we will gather in Kathmandu to finalize the details and make necessary preparations. Today is the start of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Please be ready by 5:00 AM in your hotel lobby, where our guide and vehicle will transport you to the airport. Typically, flights to Lukla are scheduled for early morning when the weather is generally clear. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla takes approximately 30 minutes; however, delays due to adverse weather conditions are common. During this scenic flight, you will have the opportunity to admire valleys, villages, and majestic snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival in Lukla, the second largest town in the Khumbu region, you can take in the stunning mountain views, charming cityscape, and picturesque monasteries. Feel free to stop for a cup of tea or coffee before we begin our trek to Phakding. The trek from Lukla (2870m) to Phakding (2610m) covers a distance of 7.5 km, which can be completed in about three hours. At the end of Lukla, you will need to present your original passport at the permit office to obtain the Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit and the National Park Permit before proceeding to Chheplung (2660m). Chheplung is just a 30-minute walk from Lukla, where you will connect with the classic Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek Trail. Here, you can stop for lunch while enjoying views of the monastery, the lovely Sherpa village, and terraced fields. After lunch, we will continue towards Thado Koshi village, descending gradually while taking in views of Mt. Kusum Kangkaru (6367m). We will cross the Thado Koshi River, ascend briefly, and then cross another bridge to reach Ghat village, ultimately arriving at Phakding village (2610m).

Today marks the second day of the Budget Everest Base Camp Trek, with the itinerary set to travel from Phakding (2610m) to Namche Bazar (3440m), covering a distance of 10 km. This trek typically requires 5 to 6 hours of walking. Breakfast is usually served at 7:00 am, and the group departs the hotel by 8:00 am to ensure an early start, allowing for a timely arrival at the destination. This early arrival provides ample opportunity for a shower, laundry, and exploration of the surroundings. The trail today is notably longer and more challenging than the previous segment from Lukla to Phakding. The route from Phakding to Jorsalle features a gradual ascent, passing through Tok Tok (2630m), Bangker (2650m), and Manjo (2835m), where trekkers must present their permits and bags for inspection at the army checkpoint. Following a slight descent and a steady walk, the trail crosses a suspension bridge to reach Jorsalle, where we will pause for lunch. After lunch, the trek continues along the river valley, crossing another bridge before heading towards Hillary Bridge, surrounded by pine forests. For those interested, there is a bungee jumping opportunity beneath Hillary Bridge. The journey then involves crossing the renowned bridge and ascending towards Namche Bazar through dense pine woods, where you may spot Himalayan pheasants and deer. Upon arrival in Namche Bazar, you will be greeted by stunning mountain views, monasteries, and the vibrant atmosphere of this Sherpa capital. Namche offers a variety of amenities, including cafes, bars, bakeries, gear shops, and numerous restaurants. An overnight stay is planned in Namche Bazar.

This day is designated for acclimatization in Namche Bazar. It is advisable to adjust to the high altitude after a brief rest, followed by a hike, and then returning to a lower elevation. Begin with breakfast at the lodge and prepare for a short trek to the Everest View Hotel, situated at an elevation of 3,810 meters, atop Namche Bazar and Khumjung village. The hike takes approximately two hours along an ascending path. Your first stop will be Synboche Airport, the highest airport in the area, although it currently does not have any operating flights. From this vantage point, you will enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Amadablam, Thamserku, Kongde Ri, Taboche, and more. After visiting the Everest View Hotel, return to Namche Bazar to explore the museum, the national park office, and the surrounding area after lunch. You will appreciate the scenic beauty and charm of Namche during your day of exploration.

Breakfast will be served at the Lodge where we spent the night, followed by final preparations for another exciting day of trekking from Namche to Tengboche. The distance for today’s journey is 9.2 km, which will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. We will walk along the Everest Base Camp route, starting with a climb to the top of Namche Bazaar before taking a gradual path to Kyangjuma, which takes about an hour from Namche. During this segment, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the mountains, river valleys, and the beautiful scenery surrounding the trail. From Kyangjuma, we will continue on the EBC Trek Trail, descending to Phunke Tenga (3250m) through a picturesque pine forest, where we will pause for lunch by the river. After lunch, we will cross the river via a suspension bridge and arrive at the Army checkpoint for registration in the Everest region. Once checked in, we will follow the ascending trail to Tengboche (3860m), where we may encounter various wildlife, including birds, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep. The ascent will take about two hours to reach Tengboche, a well-known village home to the historic Tengboche Monastery. From here, you will have clear views of Mount Everest, Taboche, Amadablam, Gokyo Peak, and many other majestic mountains. We will spend the night at a Lodge in Tengboche.

Today marks the Fifth day of the Everest Base Camp Trek. After breakfast, we will set off towards Dingboche (4410m), passing through picturesque Sherpa villages, including Debuche (3820m), Pangboche (3930m), and Somare (4010m). The trek from Tengboche to Pangboche features lush Rhododendron and Pine forests, and you will cross a suspension bridge before reaching Pangboche. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of Everest, Taboche, Amadablam, Thamserku, and other majestic peaks. Upon arriving in Pangboche, you will see terraced fields, monasteries, and charming villages. Notably, Pangboche is home to the ancient Pangboche Monastery, which serves as a waypoint for those heading to the Amadablam Base Camp Trek and expeditions. Following this, we will continue our trek to Somare village, where we will pause for lunch. Afterward, we will trek along the flat river valley to Dingboche, a larger village that provides good accommodation options. The distance from Tengboche to Dingboche is 11 km, which typically takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete, making today’s route relatively easy to navigate.

Today marks the acclimatization day in Dingboche, essential for preventing altitude sickness. After breakfast, we will embark on a brief hike lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours to Nangkar Tshang (5616m). During this trek, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the towering peaks and the stunning Himalayan landscape. Following our return to Dingboche for lunch, the afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the local villages and visiting the monasteries in the area.

Today presents significant challenges due to the high altitude and difficult terrain, including the Thukla Pass at 4,830 meters and the rugged trails that navigate through rocky areas and glaciers. The journey from Dingboche to Lobuche, which is at an elevation of 4,910 meters, spans 8.5 kilometers and typically requires a 5 to 6-hour hike at a moderate pace. After breakfast in Dingboche, you will begin your trek across the relatively flat Himalayan landscape, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of several majestic peaks, including Tabuche, Cholase, Lobuche Peak, Amadablam, Thamserku, and Island Peak, until reaching Thuka for lunch. Following lunch, the trek becomes more challenging as you ascend for approximately two hours along a rugged and rocky path to Thukla Pass. At the summit of the pass, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, lakes, and moraines. The trek continues to Lobuche along the flat Himalayan valley, offering views of towering peaks such as Mt. Pumori (7,165 meters), Lingtren (6,749 meters), Khumbutse (6,665 meters), Mt. Everest (8,849 meters), Nuptse (7,861 meters), Lhotse (8,414 meters), and others. You will spend the night at a lodge in Lobuche.

Experience the magnificent sunrise illuminating the towering peaks that stretch across the horizon. Savor a hearty breakfast while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Following breakfast, embark on a trek to Gorakshep, the final settlement on the Everest Base Camp Trek, situated at an elevation of 5,153 meters over the glacier. This 8.5-kilometer journey will take approximately three hours along the glacier and rugged terrain, offering views of some of the world's highest mountains and their neighboring peaks. After a lunch break and checking into your hotel, continue your hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), which will take around three to four hours, allowing you to marvel at the mountains, glaciers, and nearby lake. Conclude your day by returning to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Rise early in the morning as you prepare for a hike to Kalapather (5550m), the nearest viewpoint of Mt. Everest (8849m), the tallest mountain in the world. This trek offers a chance to witness the breathtaking sight of the mountain illuminated by the first light of dawn. The ascent to Kalapather takes approximately two hours, leading you to the highest point of the Everest Base Camp trek, where the views of Mt. Everest are remarkably close and clear. After enjoying the scenery, you will return to Gorakshep, which takes about one hour. Following breakfast, you will begin your descent back to Pheriche (4240m) via Lobuche and Thukla.

We will be returning to Namche Bazar today, passing through Pheriche Pass, Somar, Panboche, Diboche, Tangboche, Phunke Thanga, and Kyangjuma. This journey will provide you with ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural splendor of the Sherpa Kingdom. We will spend the night in Namche Bazar. The total distance for this trek is 19.5 kilometers, which will take approximately 6 to 7 hours to complete.

We are returning to Lukla today, passing through Jorsalle, Manjo, Banker, Toktok, Phakding, Ghat, Thado Koshi, and Chheplung. This journey allows you to fully appreciate the natural and cultural splendor of the Sherpa Kingdom. We will spend the night in Namche Bazar. The total distance for this trek is 17 kilometers, which will take approximately 6 to 7 hours to complete.

Today marks the final day of the Everest Base Camp Trek. We have arranged a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, which will take approximately 30 minutes. During peak season, flights from Kathmandu to Lukla may be suspended due to high air traffic and redirected to Ramechhap instead. If you are traveling during the peak months of September, October, November, or from March to May, flights will only operate between Lukla and Ramechhap. For those traveling during this busy period, we offer a shared jeep service from Ramechhap to Kathmandu, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will drop you off at your hotel. This concludes our Everest Base Camp Trek package. We sincerely thank you for joining us and appreciate your trust. You have transitioned from being our customer to becoming our friends and part of our adventure family. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.