The classic Khumbu trek to Base Camp, at a pace that respects the altitude.
Tell us about your mountain experience and current fitness so we can discuss the demands of this route and suitable preparation for your trip.
Thirteen days beginning with the Lukla flight, including acclimatisation stops, Base Camp and Kala Patthar. Allow additional time in Nepal for arrival arrangements and mountain flight disruption.
Times and elevations are approximate. + means ascent and − means descent. Values marked net compare the start and end of the walking stage; they exclude the extra ups and downs along the trail. Travel by flight, road or lift is excluded from walking elevation figures. Flexible days are set by the leader.
Fly to Lukla, around 2,860m, when weather permits and begin the trek to Phakding. The first walk introduces the trails and lodge routine.
Reach Phakding after the Lukla flight.
The departure airport and any road transfer are confirmed with your travel arrangements. Stay at Phakding, around 2,610m.
Follow the valley towards Namche Bazaar and the sustained climb into the town at around 3,440m. This is a significant step up from the opening day.
Climb into Namche and establish the next overnight base.
Settle into the lodge for two nights. Namche is the base for the next acclimatisation day.
Take a walk above Namche and return to the same overnight base. The route may head towards the Everest View area, depending on conditions.
Walk towards the Everest View area and return to Namche.
There is time to organise your equipment and prepare for the upper valley. This stop is part of the planned approach.
Continue towards Tengboche, with a mixture of traversing, descending and climbing rather than a simple uphill path. The monastery village is around 3,860m.
Reach the Tengboche monastery village.
Settle into the lodge. A monastery visit may be possible if access and the day’s schedule allow.
Walk onwards into the upper valley towards Dingboche, around 4,410m. The surroundings become more open as the trail gains height.
Continue into the upper valley to Dingboche.
Stay for a second acclimatisation stop before the approach to the highest lodges.
Walk above the village, often towards the lower slopes of Nangkartshang, and return to Dingboche for the night. The leader sets the turnaround point.
Take an acclimatisation walk and return to the same lodge.
Use the afternoon to rest and organise equipment. The next stage moves closer to the Khumbu Glacier.
Continue towards Lobuche, around 4,940m, as the ground becomes more rugged. Keep the pace focused on steady progress.
Reach Lobuche beside the Khumbu Glacier.
Arrive with time to settle into the lodge and prepare for the Base Camp section.
Walk to Gorak Shep, around 5,164m, then towards Everest Base Camp at 5,364m if conditions permit. Uneven terrain and altitude make this a demanding day.
Visit Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep.
Return to Gorak Shep for the night. The overnight stop is a village lodge, rather than an expedition tent at Base Camp.
Make an early ascent of Kala Patthar if the weather and group condition allow. The viewpoint is an additional high point of the trek.
Reach Kala Patthar, then descend to Pheriche.
Return to Gorak Shep and begin the descent towards Pheriche, leaving the highest overnight lodges behind.
Continue down the Khumbu towards Namche Bazaar. The return trail still includes uphill sections and a full day of walking.
Return through the Khumbu to Namche.
Familiar villages bring a different perspective on the route travelled earlier. Spend the night in Namche before the final trekking stage.
Retrace the valley trail to Lukla, allowing time for both the descent from Namche and the approach to the airstrip.
Finish the walking route at Lukla.
Settle into the lodge and review flight arrangements. Mountain weather can still affect the return journey.
Take the return mountain flight when conditions allow, with any necessary road connection to Kathmandu. The operating airport can vary.
Return to Kathmandu when the mountain flight operates.
Keep onward plans flexible rather than relying on a tightly timed connection. If flights are delayed, the travel schedule must adapt.
Finish the programme in Kathmandu and depart according to your confirmed arrangements. Extra time may be required after mountain flight disruption.
Complete onward travel, allowing for mountain-flight delays.
Discuss international connections with us before booking so that the trip includes a realistic margin around the Lukla flights.
Quality costs more. The programme is planned around the group, the route and the conditions. Summit attempts remain subject to the leader’s assessment, and the final arrangements are confirmed before booking.
Subject to weather, mountain conditions and route availability.
Price: on enquiry. Your quote will set out the route, group size, accommodation and inclusions.
Prices confirmed on enquiry. Published prices are indicative. Hut availability, routes, permits, transport and other associated costs can change after publication. Your written quote confirms the final price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions for your dates and group.
The package outline below is tailored to this expedition. Your written SOOM quote confirms the inclusions, exclusions and accommodation for your departure.
Typical season: March–May & September–November, subject to conditions. Ask about availability and your confirmed quote.
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