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Everest Base Camp Trek – 15 Days: Small Group Trek in Nepal
The 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek is a guided small-group journey through Nepal’s Khumbu region to the base camp of Mount Everest. The route begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and follows the classic Everest trail through Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
This itinerary is designed for trekkers who are reasonably fit and want to experience the Everest region without rushing through the mountains. Two acclimatisation days are included, and the trek operates in small groups of 2–8 people with an experienced local guide.
The highest point of this Everest Base Camp itinerary is Kala Patthar at 5,545 metres, while Everest Base Camp is approximately 5,364 metres. No technical climbing experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day at increasing altitude.
At Nepal Hiking, we believe reaching Everest Base Camp is only part of the experience. The pace of the trek, time for acclimatisation, support from your guide and the opportunity to enjoy the Khumbu villages all make a difference.
In short, this 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek is for travellers looking for a well-organised small-group trek in Nepal, with experienced local guides, proper acclimatisation and a classic route to Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Trek – Quick Facts
| Trek Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trek duration | 15 days |
| Country | Nepal |
| Trek region | Everest / Khumbu |
| Starting and ending location | Kathmandu |
| Trek starting point | Lukla |
| Main destination | Everest Base Camp |
| Everest Base Camp elevation | 5,364 m |
| Highest point | Kala Patthar – 5,545 m |
| Typical walking time | 5–7 hours most days |
| Group size | 2–8 people |
| Acclimatisation | 2 days |
| Accommodation | Kathmandu hotel + local teahouses/lodges |
| Guide | English-speaking trekking guide |
| Porter support | 1 porter for every 2 guests |
| Best seasons | Spring and autumn |
| Technical climbing required | No |
| Trek style | Guided small-group trek |
Upcoming Group Departures for Autumn
Our current small-group departures are:
| Arrival in Kathmandu | Status |
|---|---|
| October 12 ⭐ | High demand – recommended |
| October 19 | Filling fast |
| October 26 | Limited availability |
| November 5 | Available |
| November 12 | Open |
Maximum group size: 8 participants
If you are planning to trek during the busy autumn season, we recommend booking early because small-group places are limited.
Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
Group Joining
From USD 1,490 per person
Private Trek
From USD 1870+ per person, depending on group size.
The current promotional price displayed on the page is:
USD 1,750 → USD 1,480
Prices include Lukla flights, accommodation, meals during the trek, permits and experienced guides.
We’re not the cheapest option—and that’s intentional. We focus on small groups, proper pacing and doing the trek properly.
About the Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the world’s best-known Himalayan journeys, but the experience depends on how the trek is organised.
We keep groups small and the pace steady, allowing trekkers time to adjust to increasing altitude and enjoy the surroundings. The route takes you through Sherpa villages, along the Khumbu Valley and gradually towards Everest Base Camp.
There is no need to rush simply to reach the destination or “tick the box.” The focus is on making the journey manageable while giving you time to experience the mountains, villages and culture along the trail.
For us, a successful Everest Base Camp Trek is not just about reaching Base Camp. It is about reaching it safely, comfortably and with enough time to appreciate the journey.
What Is the Everest Base Camp Trek Like?
The 15-day Everest Base Camp Trek involves:
- Walking approximately 5–7 hours on most days
- Two acclimatisation days
- Staying in local teahouses and lodges
- Walking on uneven Himalayan trails
- Gradually ascending to elevations above 5,000 metres
- Trekking at a steady and manageable pace
- Travelling with an experienced local guide
You don’t need to be fast.
You do need to be reasonably fit and able to walk consistently for several days at high altitude.
Altitude affects people differently, so your ability to walk quickly at lower elevations does not necessarily predict how you will feel higher in the Khumbu. A steady pace and sensible acclimatisation are important parts of the experience.
Who Is the 15-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Suitable For?
This trek is particularly suitable for:
- First-time trekkers with good fitness
- Travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s
- People who prefer small groups rather than large tours
- Travellers looking for a well-organised and straightforward Everest Base Camp experience
- People who want to trek with an experienced local guide
- Travellers who want to follow the classic Everest Base Camp route
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is not necessarily required, but you should be prepared for several consecutive days of walking and increasing altitude.
If you are unsure whether a 15-day itinerary is right for you, feel free to ask us directly via WhatsApp. We’ll give you an honest answer based on the itinerary and your plans.
Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary – 15 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet your Nepal Hiking representative at Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel and have time to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and Trek to Phakding
Take the mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, begin walking towards Phakding through the Dudh Koshi Valley.
Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Continue through the Dudh Koshi Valley, entering Sagarmatha National Park and gradually climbing towards Namche Bazaar, the main trading centre of the Khumbu region.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Day in Namche Bazaar
Spend the day acclimatising around Namche Bazaar. A gradual hike to a higher elevation provides an opportunity to enjoy views of Everest and surrounding Himalayan peaks before returning to Namche to sleep.
Days 5–9: Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Everest Base Camp
Continue deeper into the Khumbu through Tengboche and Dingboche before ascending towards Lobuche and Gorak Shep. The route then reaches Everest Base Camp at approximately 5,364 metres, followed by the ascent of Kala Patthar at approximately 5,545 metres.
Days 10–12: Return Trek to Lukla
After reaching Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, descend through the Khumbu Valley and return towards Lukla.
Day 13: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Take the flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu and return to your hotel.
Day 14: Rest and Explore Kathmandu
Use the day to rest after the trek or explore Kathmandu before your international departure.
Day 15: Departure from Kathmandu
Your Everest Base Camp journey ends with your departure from Kathmandu.
Looking for a longer itinerary? Beginners who prefer additional time and greater flexibility can consider our 17-night, 18-day private Everest Base Camp Trek with Kathmandu accommodation.
Why Trek to Everest Base Camp With Nepal Hiking?
We keep our Everest Base Camp groups small, with a maximum of 8 participants.
Our approach focuses on:
- Small groups: 2–8 people
- Experienced local guides: Local support throughout the trek
- Proper acclimatisation: No unnecessarily rushed schedule
- Clear communication: Support before and during the trek
- Organised logistics: Flights, accommodation, permits and trekking arrangements handled by our team
- No hidden costs: Important package inclusions and exclusions are explained before departure
We don’t believe a good trek is about moving as quickly as possible. It is about having the right pace, the right support and enough time to enjoy the journey.
A Quick Note on Comfort
The Everest Base Camp Trek is not a luxury trip, but it is organised to make the journey as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
Accommodation becomes more basic as you climb higher into the Khumbu. You will stay in local teahouses and lodges, where facilities are more limited than in Kathmandu.
That’s part of trekking in the Himalayas.
Our focus is on making sure your accommodation, meals, guide and trekking arrangements are organised so that you can concentrate on the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Everest Base Camp Trek
How many days is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
This Everest Base Camp itinerary takes 15 days, including arrival and departure from Kathmandu, the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar, and the return journey to Kathmandu.
How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate high-altitude trek with some long walking days. You do not need technical climbing experience, but you should be reasonably fit and prepared to walk for several hours a day at increasing altitude.
Can a beginner do the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Yes, beginners can join the trek if they have good fitness and prepare properly for high-altitude walking. Previous technical climbing experience is not required.
If you prefer a slower itinerary, we also offer a longer private Everest Base Camp option.
Do I need previous trekking experience?
No, previous trekking experience is not essential. Good physical preparation, a steady pace and willingness to follow the acclimatisation schedule are more important.
Can I join the Everest Base Camp Trek as a solo traveller?
Yes. Solo travellers can join our small-group departure. You will trek as part of a group of up to eight participants with an experienced local guide.
How many hours do you walk each day?
Most trekking days involve approximately 5–7 hours of walking. Some of the longer days around Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar can take longer.
How high is Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp is approximately 5,364 metres above sea level.
What is the highest point on the trek?
Kala Patthar is the highest point of this itinerary at approximately 5,545 metres. It is also one of the classic viewpoints for seeing Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Is technical climbing required?
No. Technical climbing skills are not required for the standard Everest Base Camp Trek. The route is a high-altitude trekking journey rather than a technical mountaineering expedition.
Does the itinerary include acclimatisation days?
Yes. The itinerary includes two acclimatisation days, giving trekkers time to adjust to increasing altitude before continuing towards the higher sections of the route.
What accommodation is used on the trek?
Accommodation is provided in local teahouses and lodges during the trek. Facilities become more basic at higher elevations.
Are meals included?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the trek, together with tea/coffee as specified in the package.
Are Lukla flights included?
Yes. Domestic flights to and from Lukla are included in the package.
What happens if my Lukla flight is delayed?
Mountain weather can affect flights to and from Lukla. Our local team will assist with the necessary arrangements, but we recommend keeping some flexibility around your international flight from Nepal.
What is the best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons for the Everest Base Camp Trek. October and November are particularly popular because of generally favourable trekking conditions and mountain visibility.
Do I need travel insurance for Everest Base Camp?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We recommend arranging appropriate travel insurance before beginning the trek.
Can I trek to Everest Base Camp if I am in my 50s or 60s?
Age alone does not determine whether you can complete the Everest Base Camp Trek. Fitness, preparation, health, pacing and how your body responds to altitude are more important considerations.
Planning Your Everest Base Camp Trek
October and November are among the most popular months for Everest Base Camp, and small-group departures can fill in advance.
Before booking, we recommend preparing for the specific conditions of the Khumbu rather than treating Everest Base Camp as an ordinary multi-day hike.
You may also want to read our related Everest guides covering:
- Everest Base Camp Trek Cost
- Everest Base Camp Weather
- Everest Base Camp Packing List
- Everest Base Camp Acclimatisation Tips
- Elevation of Everest Base Camp
- Everest Base Camp Trek Health Tips
These resources can help you understand the route, preparation, altitude, weather and practical costs before you travel to Nepal.
