Hiking to base camp Mount Everest is the kind of adventure that sounds completely insane until you realise it’s one of the most popular treks in the world - and for good reason. You don’t have to be a mountaineer. You don’t need oxygen tanks. You just need decent fitness, a bit of planning, and a tolerance for yaks blocking your path at 4,000 meters. For many, the Everest Base Camp hike is a bucket-list journey. But there’s a lot to know before you lace up your boots and head for the Himalayas. Here’s our guide to help you get there.
What is Mount Everest Base Camp?
Base camp Mount Everest (also called EBC) is not the summit. It’s where climbers rest and prepare before attempting the real deal. For trekkers, it’s the final stop and photo-op of an epic journey through the Khumbu region of Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp elevation is about 5,364 metres (17,598 feet). If you're wondering how high is the Everest base camp, well - it's high enough to feel light-headed after tying your shoes. You’ll definitely notice the altitude.
But don't worry, you’re not climbing Everest. You’re hiking to where the climbers start climbing Everest, and that’s hard enough to brag about at parties.
How long does it take?
Most people complete the Everest Base Camp hike in 12 to 14 days. This includes 8 days to get to base camp, and 3-4 days to get back down. Why the slow pace on the way up? Because of altitude acclimatisation.
You’ll gain height gradually, with built-in rest days in places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. The descent is quicker because your lungs can finally chill out a bit.
If you're on a tighter schedule, helicopter treks and shorter versions exist, but those are pricier and skip a lot of the cultural details along the trail.
Route & starting point
Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain town with a famously terrifying airport that clings to the edge of a cliff. The flight is short (around 30 minutes) but memorable. Once you land, the trail begins.
The route takes you through:
- Phakding
- Namche Bazaar (the Sherpa capital)
- Tengboche (with a famous monastery)
- Dingboche
- Lobuche
- Gorak Shep (the last stop before base camp)
Then you reach the legendary base camp Mount Everest, with fluttering prayer flags, colourful tents in climbing season, and the Khumbu Icefall looming above.
Some trekkers also hike up to Kala Patthar, a viewpoint with jaw-dropping views of Mount Everest itself, especially at sunrise. It’s higher than base camp (about 5,545 metres) and totally worth it if your legs still work.
Everest Base Camp height - and why it matters
Let’s talk about Everest Base Camp height again because it’s a big deal. At over 5,000 metres, altitude sickness is a real risk. That’s why the itinerary moves slowly and includes acclimatisation stops.
Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and the strong urge to question your life choices. Stay hydrated, don’t skip rest days, and listen to your body. Altitude doesn’t care how fit you are - it’s the great equaliser.
Some people take specific prescription medications to help with acclimatisation. Ask your doctor before you go.
And don’t try to “tough it out” if you’re feeling terrible - altitude sickness can be serious.
What’s it like day-to-day?
Each day involves 4-6 hours of trekking, with plenty of breaks for tea, snacks, and photos. The terrain ranges from lush pine forests to moonscape-like high alpine zones. Expect suspension bridges, icy rivers, and herds of yaks.
Accommodation is in tea houses - basic lodges with thin walls, shared bathrooms, and surprisingly good food. You’ll sleep under piles of blankets and probably develop a slight obsession with garlic soup (rumoured to help with altitude).
Wi-Fi is patchy, charging your phone costs money, and showers get rarer the higher you go. But you’ll quickly adjust to the rhythm of early nights, cold mornings, and trail chats with fellow trekkers.
Do you need a guide?
Technically, no. You can do the Everest Base Camp hike independently, especially now that trails are well-marked and tea houses are easy to find. But having a guide and/or porter can massively improve your experience.
A guide adds cultural context, handles logistics, and makes sure you’re not walking off a cliff. A porter carries your big bag, so you only carry a daypack. This supports the local economy and saves your knees.
Prices vary, but a package with guide, porter, accommodation, meals, permits, and flights usually ranges from $1,200 to $2,500. Going solo is cheaper, but also more stressful if things go wrong.
Everest Base Camp tour costs (including hidden costs)
So what’s the real Everest Base Camp hike cost?
- Flight to Lukla: Around $180–$200 each way
- Permits: About $50–$60 total (TIMS + Sagarmatha National Park)
- Guide and Porter: $25–$30/day each
- Accommodation: $5–$10/night (but free if you eat dinner there)
- Meals: $5–$10 per meal
- Extras: Wi-Fi, hot showers, phone charging, snacks, gear rental, tips
Total? Most people spend (on average) between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on their comfort level and whether they book a package or DIY the trek.
What gear do you need?
No need for oxygen tanks, but you do need good gear. Essentials include:
- Sturdy hiking boots (broken in, not fresh out the box!)
- Warm jacket (it gets freezing above 4,000m)
- Sleeping bag (tea house blankets don’t always cut it)
- Base layers and quick-dry clothes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV at altitude is no joke)
- Reusable water bottle and purifier (tap water is a no-go)
- Headlamp (useful for pre-dawn starts and midnight bathroom trips)
- Snacks (because Snickers bars cost $5 at 5,000 metres)
You can rent gear in Kathmandu or buy it there if you’re not picky. Just don’t forget a roll of toilet paper, as it’s not always included.
Best time to go
The best seasons are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The skies are clear, the weather is stable, and the views are unbeatable. Winter is brutally cold, and summer (monsoon season) is wet, cloudy, and full of leeches.
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