Highlights
Moderate To Fairly Hard, 5550m
Local Guest House
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Private jeep/ Domestic Flight
March-May/ Oct- Dec
Classic Everest Base Camp Trek Overview
Retrace the historic steps of mountaineering legends Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on the ultimate Classic Everest Base Camp Trek. Before the mountain airstrip in Lukla was built, this legendary trail was the only gateway for the first successful expeditions to the top of the world.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu along the beautiful BP Highway to the quiet mountain village of Bhandar. The first part of this trek takes you through the peaceful, lower Solukhumbu region, pristine Sherpa villages like Takshindu, lush green valleys, and blooming rhododendron forests. As you cross high ridges like the Lamjura La Pass (3,530m), you will gradually enter the majestic high-altitude alpine zone.
Choosing the Jiri route is an excellent choice for smart travelers. It allows your body to build perfect, natural physical conditioning, drastically reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Furthermore, starting on foot completely eliminates the stress of weather-delayed flights out of Kathmandu or Ramechhap. Immerse yourself in authentic Sherpa culture, witness the daily mountain caravans, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, and stand triumphantly at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,550m). With Alpine Asian Treks, you are guaranteed a smooth, safe, and deeply memorable Himalayan adventure led by expert local guides.
Meal Plans in Classic Everest Base Camp Trek
Eating nutritious food is vital at high elevations. Your package includes Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (BLD) on the trail from the local restaurant/ guesthouse.
The Menu: the guesthouse offer standard menu. This includes eggs, pancakes, porridge, pasta, momos, noodles, and fried rice and more. You can pick you meal from menu.
The Trekker's Fuel: We highly recommend Dal Bhat (traditional Nepali lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry). It is nutritious, prepared fresh daily, and comes with free, unlimited refills!
Hygiene Advice: To prevent stomach issues, we strongly advise avoiding meat products above Namche Bazaar because meat must be carried up by porters without refrigeration. Stick to healthy vegetarian meals, eggs, and garlic soup (which naturally aids acclimatization). Water should be purified using tablets, filters, or bought as boiled water from lodges.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & Airport Transfer
Day 02: Guided Kathmandu Sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) & Trek Briefing
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar (2,200m) via BP Highway 7-8 hrs drive
Day 04: Trek from Bhandar to Sete (2,575m) 6-7 hrs
Day 05: Trek from Sete to Junbesi (2,680m) via Lamjura La Pass (3,530m) 7-8 hrs
Day 06: Trek from Junbesi to Nunthala (2,330m) via Trakshindu La 6-7 hrs
Day 07: Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (2,360m) via Dudh Koshi River 5-6 hrs
Day 08:Trek from Bupsa to Surke (2,290m) 6-7 hrs
Day 09: Trek from Surke to Phakding (2,610m) 6-7 hrs (Trail merges with Lukla route)
Day 10: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) via Hillary Bridge 5-6 hrs
Day 11: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar; Hike to Syangboche & Everest View Hotel (3,880m)
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,800m) 5-6 hrs
Day 13: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,200m) 5-6 hrs
Day 14: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,900m) 4-5 hrs
Day 15: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,163m) & Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) 7-8 hrs
Day 16: Day Early Morning Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) for Sunrise; Descend to Pheriche (4,240m) 7-8 hrs
Day 17: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) 6-7 hrs
Day 18: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m) 6-7 hrs
Day 19: Fly from Lukla back to Kathmandu; Transfer to Hotel (Cushion/Buffer Day)
Day 20: Final Departure from Nepal
Day to Day Itinerary
Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome to Nepal! Upon clearing customs at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), an Alpine Asian Treks representative will greet you outside the arrival terminal holding our company signboard. You will be transferred to your chosen hotel in Kathmandu via a comfortable private vehicle. Spend the evening resting, adapting to the city, or strolling through the colorful, lively streets of Thamel.
Transportation: Private Airport Transfer
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Guided Sightseeing & Trek Briefing
After a delicious breakfast, your city tour guide will pick you up for a private tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will explore Pashupatinath (the sacred Hindu temple complex), Boudhanath (one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world), Swayambhunath (the ancient Monkey Temple), and the historic architecture of Patan Durbar Square. In the late afternoon, you will visit our office to complete necessary formalities, receive a comprehensive trip briefing, and meet your expert trekking guide.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Vehicle for Sightseeing
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar (2,200m)
Distance: ~200 km Your trekking guide will pick you up early from your hotel in a sturdy private vehicle. We drive out of the Kathmandu Valley along the stunning, beautifully paved BP Highway. Enjoy rolling hills, rushing rivers, and local farming villages along the way. After a relaxing tea and lunch break, the route winds through the historical town of Jiri before transitioning into an unpaved mountain road to reach the small village of Bhandar. This is the exact historic path walked by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a restful night at a rustic mountain guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Bhandar
Driving time: 7-8 hrs by private jeep.
Trek from Bhandar to Sete (2,575m)/ 6-7 hrs
Today marks your first official day on the trail! After breakfast, our team of porters will securely arrange your duffel bags. The trail begins with a gentle descent through local farm fields and forests down to the Likhu Khola river. After crossing the suspension bridge, we stop for lunch at a local eatery in the village of Kenja. From here, we begin a long, steady uphill climb through rural hamlets to reach Sete, a peaceful settlement nestled on a ridge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Sete
Trek from Sete to Junbesi (2,680m) via Lamjura La Pass (3,530m)/ 7-8 hrs
Altitude gain: +955m Prepare for a challenging but immensely rewarding day. We climb steadily through pristine, moss-covered forests of blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, and pines until we reach the top of Lamjura La Pass (3,530m). This is the highest point on the trail between Jiri and Lukla, marked by colorful Buddhist prayer flags. After a warm lunch on the pass, we enjoy a long, beautiful descent into the grand Sherpa village of Junbesi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Junbesi
Trek from Junbesi to Nunthala (2,330m)/ 6-7 hrs
We leave Junbesi and follow a trail that climbs up to a scenic ridge. On a clear morning, this ridge offers your very first, unforgettable view of Mt. Everest rising majestically in the distance. We descend through alpine woodlands to cross the Ringmo Khola river, climb briefly over the Trakshindu La Pass (3,071m), and walk past the old Trakshindu Monastery before making our way down to our overnight guest house in Nunthala.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Nunthala
Trek from Nunthala to Bupsa (2,360m)/ 5-6 hrs
Our morning begins with a scenic descent through fertile farming terraces into the deep gorge of the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the river via a large suspension bridge, the trail changes direction. We follow a steady uphill route through bamboo groves, traditional villages, and terraced fields, stopping for lunch at Kharikhola before checking into our guest house in the hillside village of Bupsa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Bupsa
Trek from Bupsa to Surke (2,290m)/ 6-7 hrs
Today’s trail climbs steadily through thick oak and rhododendron forests, navigating around steep hillsides. We hike past the small settlement of Paiya (Punya) and cross the high Paiya Pass, which reveals expansive views of the surrounding valleys. From the pass, we make a gentle, knee-friendly descent into the quiet village of Surke, located right below the cliffs of Lukla.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Surke
Trek from Surke to Phakding (2,610m)/ 6-7 hrs
Leaving Surke, we climb up toward Chiplung, where our peaceful historic trail officially merges with the main Everest highway coming from the Lukla airport. You will instantly notice an increase in fellow international trekkers, local porters, and yak caravans. We enjoy an easy, rolling walk alongside the rushing Dudh Koshi River, passing beautifully carved Mani stones and Chortens to reach Phakding.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Guest House in Phakding
Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)/ 5-6 hrs
Altitude gain: +830m We hike through pine forests along the river banks, passing through the small village of Monjo, where we register our permits at the entry checkpost for Sagarmatha National Park. We cross the spectacular, high Hillary Suspension Bridge spanning the gorge. From the bridge, we tackle a legendary 2-hour steep uphill climb through the forest to arrive at the vibrant mountain amphitheater of Namche Bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Namche Bazaar
Rest & Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar (3,440m)/
This is a critical acclimatization day to safely adapt to the thinner air. After a late breakfast, we take a steady panoramic hike up to Syangboche and the famous Everest View Hotel (3,880m). Sit on the outdoor terrace and enjoy hot tea with jaw-dropping views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and the elegant Ama Dablam. Keep an eye out for Himalayan wildlife and birds before returning to Namche. You have the afternoon free to visit mountain bakeries, cafes, or gear shops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Namche Bazaar
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,800m)/ 5-6 hrs
Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: +360m The trail winds beautifully out of Namche along the mountainside, offering continuous views of Everest and Ama Dablam. We descend sharply through the forest to the riverside hamlet of Phunki Thenga for a fresh lunch. In the afternoon, we make a steady, steep climb through rhododendron forests to reach Tengboche, the spiritual beating heart of the Khumbu. We will visit the legendary Tengboche Monastery to hear the soothing chants of Buddhist monks during evening prayers.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Tengboche
Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,200m)/ 5-6 hrs
Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: +400m The air begins to feel noticeably thinner as we pass 4,000m. The trail drops down into the beautiful forest of Deboche, crosses the Imja Khola, and opens up into a vast, barren alpine landscape. We pass through the ancient stone walls of Pangboche village, walking directly under the shadow of Ama Dablam, and arrive by afternoon at the high-altitude farming plains of Dingboche.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Dingboche
Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,900m)/ 5-6 hrs
Altitude gain: +700m We climb gently up the wide, alpine valley, stopping for a hot drink at Thukla (Dughla). From Thukla, we face a steep moraine climb to the top of Thukla Pass. This emotional site holds stone memorials dedicated to legendary climbers who lost their lives on Mt. Everest. Leaving the pass, we walk along the massive lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to arrive at the small outpost of Lobuche.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Lobuche
Trek to Gorak Shep (5,163m) & Hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)/ 6-7 hrs
Altitude gain: +464m The day you have been dreaming of! We trek across rocky moraine trails alongside the slow-moving Khumbu Glacier to reach our final lodge outpost at Gorak Shep. After an early lunch and dropping our heavy packs, we lace up and hike across the glacier toward Everest Base Camp. Stand triumphantly on the iconic boulder, celebrate with your teammates, and witness the frozen towers of the Khumbu Icefall. Take incredible photos at the base of the world's highest peak before returning to Gorak Shep for a celebratory dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Gorak Shep
Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) & Descend to Pheriche (4,240m)
Altitude gain/drop: +387m, -1,310m We wake up before dawn (around 5:00 AM) in the freezing mountain air for a challenging, steep climb up to the summit of Kala Patthar, the highest point of our entire trek. Your efforts are rewarded with an unforgettable, unobstructed golden sunrise over Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori. After taking life-changing photos and videos, we descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast, pack our gear, and enjoy a long, oxygen-rich descent down the valley to Pheriche
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Pheriche
Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Altitude drop: -800m Walking down feels effortless now that your lungs have access to thick, rich air. We retrace our steps down the valley, climbing briefly back up to Tengboche before making a deep descent to the river and walking back into Namche Bazaar. Enjoy a long-awaited hot shower, Wi-Fi, and a well-deserved celebratory drink at a local pub.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest House in Namche Bazaar
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840m)
Altitude drop: -600m Our final day on the trail takes us back down the steep hill, across the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and through the checking gates of Sagarmatha National Park. We follow the familiar banks of the Dudh Koshi River through Phakding before making a final, short uphill push into Lukla. Tonight, we host a special farewell dinner to thank our incredible team of porters and mountain crew.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
Accommodation: Guest House in Lukla
Flight Back to Kathmandu / Cushion Day
After an early breakfast, you will head to Tenzing-Hillary Airport for your scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. This entire day serves as a critical "cushion" or buffer day in case mountain weather causes any flight delays out of Lukla. You have the afternoon free for souvenir shopping in Thamel or booking a relaxing massage.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Flight & Private Airport Transfer
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Fly Back to Home. Sweet Home!
Enjoy a relaxing final breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy a peaceful morning exploring downtown Kathmandu or purchasing last-minute souvenirs. Our private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final international departure back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private Airport Transfer
Whats Included?
Accommodation
- Accommodations in trekking on twin sharing (bathroom outside)
- 3 night Hotel in Kathmandu on BB in the city center
Meals
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner (BLD) whilst on the trek from local guest house.
Transportation
- One day guided tour in Kathmandu by car/ van.
- Private/ public transfer to Jiri and regular public transport to Junbesi.
- Domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
Other
- Applicable trekking fees (National park permit and TIMS).
- English speaking trekking Guide and Porters (one porter per two trekkers will be provided to carry the clients personal effects)
- Trekking map, duffle bag, and sleeping bag.
- Insurance for the trekking staff. (insurance as per state law)
- All the government tax and our (AATE) service charges.
Whats not Included?
Not Included
- Personal trekking equipment
- Extra Accommodation, meal and sightseeing in Kathmandu. (They can be included upon request).
- International flights and Visa.
- Your travel insurance (for travel, cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss of life, theft of or damage to personal effects).
- Tips and gratuities (crew frequently receives some recognition for good service)
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of AATE.
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral water, monuments entrance fees, postage, laundry, video, camera, phone, etc.
- All other services not included in the "cost includes" section above.
Travel Infos
Lukla Return Flights & Ramechhap Diversions
Peak Season Flight Regulations: To manage air traffic congestion in Kathmandu during peak trekking months (Spring: March–May and Autumn: October–December), Nepal's aviation authority frequently routes all Lukla flights out of Manthali Airport in Ramechhap.
What this means for you: If your return flight falls during these peak months, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechhap (a short 12-minute flight) and our company will instantly drive you back to Kathmandu in a comfortable private vehicle (approx. 4-5 hours drive).
Professional Mountain Guides & porter helper
At Alpine Asian Treks, your safety is our absolute priority.
Expert Guides: Your trekking guide is fully licensed by the government, English-speaking and have basic knowledge of wilderness first aid.
Porters: We have experienced local to the region. One porter carries a maximum of 20-25 kg total (10-12.5 kg maximum allocation per trekker).
Mountain Accommodations (Local Guest Houses)
Accommodation along the trekking route consists of cozy, family-run mountain lodges called Tea Houses
Lower Jiri Section (Days 3-9): These lodges are simpler, traditional, and deeply authentic. Rooms are clean, basic twin-sharing (two single beds with mattresses, pillows, and blankets), and bathrooms are common outside.
Upper Section (Days 10-18): Once the trail merges with the main route, lodges become larger and offer more modern comforts. Attached private bathrooms, electrical charging, and hot showers are available here for an extra local fee
Note: Every lodge have central dining hall heated by a wood stove in the evening, creating a wonderful space to relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two massive reasons. First, walking through the lower green hills for a week allows your body to build up incredible physical stamina and adapt naturally to the altitude, making your high-elevation push to Base Camp significantly safer and more comfortable. Second, starting your journey on a road ensures your holiday begins exactly on time, with zero stress from weather-related flight delays or cancellations in Kathmandu. Plus, it offers a rare, authentic look into traditional mountain cultures untouched by commercial tourism.
This trek is graded Moderate to Fairly Hard. It does not require any technical mountaineering skills, ropes, or ice-climbing experience it is entirely a walking trek. However, the Jiri section is famous for its long, steep ridges (often called "Nepali flats"), meaning you will climb up steep hills and drop down to deep rivers multiple times. You need excellent leg strength, cardiovascular endurance, and the stamina to hike for 5 to 8 hours a day with a light daypack.
You will need a reliable 35-40L daypack to carry your daily essentials (water, camera, jacket, sunscreen), while our porters carry your main gear in a duffle bag. Essential items include a 4-season sleeping bag, a down jacket, waterproof hiking boots, moisture-wicking layers, a sun hat, a warm beanie, UV sunglasses, trekking poles, water purification tablets, and a personal first-aid kit. Alpine Asian Treks provides a complimentary duffle bag and trekking map for your journey!
Yes, travel insurance is strictly mandatory. Your insurance policy must specifically cover high-altitude trekking up to 5,000 meters and explicitly include emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses. In the rare event of severe altitude sickness or physical injury, a helicopter is the only fast and safe way to transport you to a hospital in Kathmandu.
Yes. Most tea houses have solar or hydro-powered electricity. You can charge your phones, cameras, and power banks in the communal dining hall for a small local fee ($2 to $5 USD). For internet, while mobile data (Ncell/NTC SIM cards) works reasonably well in the lower regions, you can purchase an Everest Link Wi-Fi prepaid data card in the upper mountains, which provides reliable connection throughout the Khumbu region.
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