A 16-day guided Everest Base Camp trek through Namche Bazaar, Phortse and Dingboche, returning through Tengboche and the lower Dudh Koshi Valley.
Everest Base Camp is the most popular trekking destination in the world without a shadow of doubt, but the journey is about far more than standing beneath Mount Everest. The route follows the Dudh Koshi Valley from Lukla to Namche Bazaar before entering the quieter mountain villages above the main trail.
Unlike many standard Everest Base Camp itineraries that follow almost the same trail in both directions, this route takes you through Phortse on the ascent and Tengboche on the return. You will experience a quieter section of the Khumbu without missing the villages, viewpoints and monasteries that make the classic route so memorable.
Additionally, from Phortse, you continue beneath Ama Dablam towards Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep, where the landscape changes from forested valleys to exposed glacial terrain.
You will reach Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 metres and look across the Khumbu Glacier towards the Khumbu Icefall. Mount Everest itself is not clearly visible from Base Camp, which is why the itinerary also includes an early climb to Kala Patthar. At approximately 5,545 metres, Kala Patthar provides the trek’s best close-range view of Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
This is not a technical climbing expedition. You will not need ropes, crampons or mountaineering experience under normal conditions. It is still a tough journey at high altitude with long days of walking, cold weather, simple places to stay, and nearly two weeks of traveling without a break.
The itinerary includes acclimatisation stops in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. These are essential parts of the route and are not treated as optional rest days.
Most traditional Everest Base Camp itineraries typically go like this:
Namche Bazaar → Tengboche → Dingboche, and then they return on mostly the same trail.
Our route, however, is a bit different: Namche Bazaar → Mong La → Phortse → Pangboche → Dingboche. On the way back, we take: Pheriche → Tengboche → Namche Bazaar → Monjo.
Phortse is a quieter part of the Khumbu. It’s off the beaten path compared to the busiest part of the main Everest Base Camp trail. The village is small, peaceful, and surrounded by stone-walled fields and steep mountains. You’ll still run into other trekkers, but it doesn’t feel like everyone’s just in a long line heading to Base Camp.
And don’t worry, you won’t miss Tengboche. Choosing the Phortse route doesn’t mean you skip it; you’ll stop by Tengboche on the way down when you have more time to check out the monastery and soak in the views without stressing about the next altitude jump.
There’s also less repetition. You will have to retrace some sections around Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, and there’s no way to sugarcoat that. But using Phortse on the way up and Tengboche on the way down makes the lower route more interesting compared to the typical out-and-back itinerary.
Do keep in mind that the route could change. We can’t guarantee the Phortse trail will be available on every trip. Things like snow, ice, landslides, or other issues might mean we have to go through Tengboche instead. Your guide will make the final call based on the conditions at that time.
Namaste and welcome to Nepal.
A member of our local team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have a few hours to explore Thamel, exchange money or buy any trekking equipment you have forgotten.
Kathmandu is the best place to sort out missing gear. Once you reach the mountains, the choice becomes smaller and the prices usually become higher.
Your trek begins properly with a welcome meeting at [confirmed time].
This is not one of those meetings where everyone introduces themselves and then immediately leaves.
Your guide will explain the route, altitude precautions, luggage restrictions, Lukla flight arrangements and what you should expect from the teahouses.
We will also collect:
Your main trekking equipment may also be checked.
If you are missing a sleeping bag, down jacket or trekking poles, there will still be time to hire or buy them in Kathmandu.
Tonight, enjoy an included welcome dinner with the group.
It gives you the chance to meet the people you will be walking with before everyone disappears into their rooms to repack the same bag three or four times.
474 meters (1,555 feet) above sea level
After breakfast, leave Kathmandu and travel east towards Manthali in the Ramechhap district.
During the busiest trekking seasons, many Lukla flights operate from Manthali rather than Kathmandu.
Some itineraries deal with this by leaving Kathmandu in the middle of the night, driving for several hours, flying to Lukla and then starting the trek immediately.
We do it differently.
Travelling to Manthali today gives you the chance to rest before the flight and avoids beginning the trek after a long, sleepless journey.
The road passes hills, towns, rivers and rural settlements.
The journey can take longer than expected because Nepalese roads have their own understanding of time. Traffic, roadworks, rain and landslides can all affect the drive.
Tonight, stay in a sturdy safari-style tent close to Manthali Airport.
The accommodation is simpler than your Kathmandu hotel, but it allows you to eat, organise your luggage and sleep before the early flight.
Walking distance: Approximately 7.5km
Walking time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Lukla altitude: Approximately 2,840m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 2,610m
Take an early flight to Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region.
The flight is short, but the approach to Lukla is something you are unlikely to forget quickly.
After landing, meet the porters and the rest of the mountain team.
Your main duffel bag will be handed to the porters. You will carry your daypack with water, layers, medication, documents and other items you need during the walk.
The trail begins through Lukla before joining the path above the Dudh Koshi Valley.
Despite travelling towards Everest, much of today’s route descends.
The trail passes stone houses, small farms, prayer wheels, mani walls and suspension bridges before reaching Phakding.
Today is deliberately short.
It gives you time to adjust to the trail after the road journey and mountain flight.
Lukla flights are one of the most unpredictable parts of the trek.
Cloud, wind and poor visibility can delay or cancel flights with very little warning.
And unfortunately, the mountains do not care that you have a carefully organised itinerary.
We will attempt to fly as planned.
When the flight is cancelled, the group will remain near the departure airport or return to the arranged accommodation.
Another attempt will be made when conditions allow.
The local operator may try to arrange a shared helicopter.
This depends on:
Helicopters are also affected by poor weather.
A helicopter cannot be guaranteed.
You may need to use your emergency funds to cover the supplement. Allow up to approximately US$500 per person, although the actual price may be higher or lower.
The guide will protect the main ascent and acclimatisation schedule as far as possible.
A lower-altitude descent day may be combined later.
We will not remove essential acclimatisation days simply to recover lost time.
There may eventually be too little time to complete the Everest Base Camp route safely.
The operator may then offer a road-accessible alternative trek or a revised Nepal programme.
The exact outcome depends on the number of days remaining and the booking terms.
You may need to stay an additional night in Lukla.
Additional accommodation, meals, helicopter transfers and replacement international flights may not be included.
This is why we recommend keeping an extra day in Kathmandu after the trip.
Walking distance: Approximately 10.5km
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 2,610m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 3,440m
The day begins beside the Dudh Koshi River.
You will walk through pine forest, pass small villages and cross several suspension bridges.
At Monjo, your permits will be checked before entering Sagarmatha National Park.
The trail then descends towards Jorsale, the final major settlement before Namche Bazaar.
After Jorsale, you cross more bridges before reaching the Hillary Suspension Bridge, hanging high above the river.
The hardest part begins after the bridge.
The trail climbs steadily through the forest towards Namche. There are very few flat sections where you can properly recover.
When the weather is clear, you may get your first distant view of Mount Everest during the climb.
Eventually, Namche Bazaar appears across the steep hillside.
It is the largest town on the route and the main commercial centre of the Khumbu.
After the long climb, the cafés and bakeries may feel like an unexpected luxury.
Walking time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 3,440m
Possible high point: Approximately 3,880–3,960m
Today is called an acclimatisation day, but it is not a day for lying in bed until lunchtime.
Your guide will lead a walk above Namche.
The exact route depends on the weather, trail conditions and how the group is feeling.
A common route climbs towards the Tenzing Norgay Memorial and Sagarmatha National Park Museum before continuing towards the Everest View Hotel.
When the sky is clear, you may see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
The walk may continue towards Khumjung and Khunde.
You then return to Namche to sleep at the same altitude as the previous night.
This is the basic principle of walking higher and sleeping lower.
The afternoon is free to rest, explore Namche or make any final equipment adjustments.
Walking distance: Approximately 10km
Walking time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 3,440m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 3,810m
Leave Namche on the high trail above the Dudh Koshi Valley.
The first part of the walk gives you broad views across the valley when the sky is clear.
At Sanasa, the route separates from the main trail towards Tengboche.
You will climb towards Mong La before descending steeply towards the river.
And then, because this is the Himalayas and flat walking is apparently too much to ask, you climb again towards Phortse.
This is why the day is harder than the difference between the starting and sleeping altitudes suggests.
Phortse sits in a quieter part of the Khumbu, surrounded by stone walls, terraced fields and steep mountain slopes.
Many families in the village have links with mountaineering, guiding and high-altitude expedition work.
Tonight will feel quieter than Namche.
The facilities will also be more limited.
Walking distance: Approximately 14km
Walking time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 3,810m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 4,410m
Approximate ascent: 900m
Approximate descent: 400m
This is one of the longest and hardest days of the ascent.
The trail from Phortse traverses the hillside high above the valley towards Pangboche.
There are repeated climbs and descents, exposed sections and wide views towards Ama Dablam.
Pangboche is one of the oldest permanent Sherpa settlements in the upper Khumbu.
From here, continue towards Shomare.
Trees become increasingly sparse as you climb. The landscape becomes drier, colder and more exposed.
The trail eventually separates between Pheriche and Dingboche.
You will follow the route towards Dingboche, cross the river and climb into the village.
Dingboche sits in the Imja Valley, surrounded by stone-walled fields traditionally used to grow barley and potatoes.
You will spend two nights here.
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 4,410m
Possible high point: Up to approximately 5,000m
You will spend a second night in Dingboche before moving towards Lobuche.
The usual acclimatisation walk climbs the ridge above the village towards Nangkartshang Hill.
The ascent begins almost immediately and becomes steeper as you gain height.
When the weather is clear, the views open towards Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Makalu, Island Peak and the Imja Valley.
Reaching the top is not compulsory.
The purpose is to spend time higher and then return to Dingboche to sleep.
Your guide will choose the turning point according to the group, weather and trail conditions.
Return to the village for lunch and spend the afternoon resting.
Walking time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Walking distance: Approximately 8km
Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 4,410m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 4,910m
Leave Dingboche and climb gradually above the village.
The trail crosses an open valley with views towards Cholatse, Taboche and the surrounding peaks.
Although the gradient is initially moderate, the altitude makes the walking slower.
You will descend towards Thukla, where the group normally stops before the steepest climb of the day.
Above Thukla, the trail climbs sharply towards a ridge covered with memorials to climbers and Sherpas who have died in the Himalayas.
It is a sobering place.
Your guide may explain some of the stories connected with the memorials.
From the ridge, the trail becomes gentler but remains exposed as it continues towards Lobuche.
Lobuche is small, cold and surrounded by rocky terrain.
Facilities are noticeably more basic than in Dingboche.
Walking distance: Approximately 11–12km
Walking time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 4,910m
Gorak Shep: Approximately 5,164m
Everest Base Camp: Approximately 5,364m
Today you reach Everest Base Camp.
The trail leaves Lobuche and continues beside the Khumbu Glacier towards Gorak Shep.
The route is rougher than the distance suggests.
You will cross rocky moraine and repeated small rises and dips. At this altitude, even a short climb can feel much longer than it looks.
After reaching Gorak Shep, check into the teahouse and eat before continuing towards Base Camp.
The route crosses more uneven glacial moraine.
There are no trees and no permanent villages here. Only rock, ice and high mountain walls.
Everest Base Camp changes with the season.
During the spring climbing period, expedition tents spread across the glacier. Outside the climbing season, the area is much quieter.
You will see the Khumbu Icefall, where expedition climbers begin their route above Base Camp.
However, the summit of Everest is not clearly visible from here.
After spending time at Base Camp, return to Gorak Shep.
Walking time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Gorak Shep: Approximately 5,164m
Kala Patthar: Approximately 5,545m
Pheriche: Approximately 4,240m
The climb to Kala Patthar normally begins before breakfast.
The path rises steeply behind Gorak Shep.
It is not technically difficult, but the altitude, cold and early start make it one of the hardest parts of the trek.
As you climb, Everest appears behind Nuptse, with Pumori above Kala Patthar and the Khumbu Glacier below.
This is the best close-range view of Everest available on the standard Base Camp route.
You do not need to reach the highest point to see the mountain.
After returning to Gorak Shep, eat breakfast, collect your luggage and begin descending.
You will pass through Lobuche and Thukla before continuing towards Pheriche.
The large drop in altitude usually makes breathing feel easier, although your knees may have a different opinion by the end of the day.
Walking distance: Approximately 10km
Walking time: Approximately 4–5 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 4,240m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 3,860m
Leave Pheriche and continue down the valley towards Orsho and Shomare.
Vegetation gradually returns as you lose altitude.
The trail passes Pangboche before descending towards the river.
Although the overall journey is downhill, the route has not finished with climbing.
After crossing the river, you will climb through forest towards Tengboche.
The final ascent often feels harder than people expect.
Tengboche sits on a broad ridge with views towards Ama Dablam, Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse when the weather is clear.
The village is best known for Tengboche Monastery.
You may have time to visit after arriving.
Walking distance: Approximately 14–16km
Walking time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 3,860m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 2,835m
The day begins with a steep descent through rhododendron and pine forest.
After crossing the river, the trail climbs again towards Sanasa.
This section surprises people who assume the whole return journey will be downhill.
From Sanasa, follow the high trail back towards Namche Bazaar.
You will normally stop in Namche for lunch.
After lunch, begin the long descent towards the Hillary Suspension Bridge.
Continue through Jorsale and leave Sagarmatha National Park before reaching Monjo.
Although you are at a much lower altitude, this remains a long day.
Repeated stone steps place considerable pressure on the knees.
Walking distance: Approximately 11–14km
Walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Starting altitude: Approximately 2,835m
Sleeping altitude: Approximately 2,840m
Today is your final day on the trail.
Follow the Dudh Koshi Valley through villages and across familiar suspension bridges.
The route passes through or near Phakding before continuing towards Lukla.
The starting and finishing altitudes are almost the same, but the trail still contains repeated climbs and descents.
The final ascent into Lukla is longer than many people expect.
Arrive during the afternoon and spend the final evening with the mountain team.
This is normally when travellers thank and tip the guides and porters.
After almost two weeks in the mountains, Lukla may feel surprisingly busy.
Flight time: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Take an early flight from Lukla, subject to suitable weather.
When the flight lands in Manthali, continue to Kathmandu by road.
The drive may take most of the day depending on traffic and road conditions.
When flights operate directly to Kathmandu, you will return much earlier.
After checking into your hotel, take time to shower, rest or explore the city.
Tonight, enjoy an included farewell dinner with the group.
You have earned it.
Enjoy breakfast before checking out.
A transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport is included, provided you have supplied your flight details in advance.
When your flight leaves later in the day, you may have time for some final shopping or sightseeing.
You carry your daypack during the trek. Your main duffel is carried by a porter and is usually limited to around 10 kg per trekker, although allowances vary between operators.
Dress in lightweight layers that can be added or removed as temperatures change. Avoid cotton because it absorbs moisture and dries slowly.
Wear your trekking boots regularly before the trip. Gaiters and microspikes are generally only needed during winter or when snow and ice are expected.
Teahouse bedrooms are usually unheated. For most spring and autumn treks, choose a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of around −10°C to −15°C. Winter departures may require a warmer bag.
Carry at least two litres of water capacity and a reliable purification method. Always follow the instructions provided with your chosen treatment product.
Bring your regular medication and a small personal first-aid kit. Speak to a doctor or travel-health professional before taking altitude medication.
Charging is available at many teahouses for a fee, but it becomes more expensive and less reliable at higher elevations. Cold temperatures also reduce battery life.
Your insurance must cover trekking to the highest altitude on your itinerary and emergency helicopter evacuation. Carry enough Nepalese rupees because card payments and ATMs are unreliable along the trail.
The trek is considered moderate to challenging. While it doesn’t require technical climbing skills, it involves long walking days, high altitude, and variable terrain. Good physical fitness and mental endurance are key.
The ideal seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is clear, the skies are bright, and mountain views are at their best.
The standard itinerary takes 12–14 days, including acclimatization days. Some trekkers choose longer routes like the Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes Trek for added adventure.
You’ll need two main permits:
Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Both can be arranged in Kathmandu or during the trek.
You’ll stay in teahouses — small, family-run lodges offering basic but cozy rooms and homemade meals. Most have shared bathrooms, with hot showers available for a small fee.
Yes. The trek reaches heights over 5,000 meters, so acclimatization is crucial. Follow the “climb high, sleep low” rule, stay hydrated, and avoid rushing your ascent.
Yes, you can trek independently, but hiring a local guide and porter is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insight.
Essentials include warm layers, a quality sleeping bag, hiking boots, a down jacket, and trekking poles. Check our Everest Base Camp packing guide for the complete list.
Wi-Fi is available in most teahouses (for a small charge), and local SIM cards (like Ncell) provide intermittent coverage along the route.
Start training at least 6–8 weeks before departure with a mix of cardio (hiking, running, cycling) and strength training. Focus on endurance and leg conditioning.
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