Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek starts in Lukla, a mountain town reached by a short flight from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Due to airport renovations, flights now often depart from Manthali Airport, about a five-hour drive from Kathmandu, adding an extra day to your journey. From Lukla, the trek continues through scenic villages up to Everest Base Camp.

The best times of year to trek to Everest Base Camp are March to May and mid-September to November, when the weather is most stable and the views are clear. If you want to see Everest Base Camp in full swing, with climbers preparing for summit attempts, April and May are ideal.

Want help picking the right season for your trek? Read more here.

You'll need gear suitable for high-altitude trekking and varying weather. Essentials include waterproof hiking boots, thermal layers, an insulated down jacket, trekking trousers, gloves, a sleeping bag (rated to -10°C), sunglasses, a daypack, and personal items like sunscreen and medication.

For a full list of what to pack, please read the Everest Base Camp packing list.

The Everest Base Camp trek is definitely a challenge, but it’s one that thousands of adventurers take on every year. You don’t need to be a super athlete, but a good level of fitness will help, especially with the long hiking days and high altitude. The real test is the thin air, not the trail itself.

With the right prep and mindset, it’s absolutely doable and incredibly rewarding.

The Everest Base Camp trek isn’t inherently dangerous, but it does come with risks, mainly due to the high altitude. Altitude sickness is the biggest concern, which is why a well-paced itinerary with proper acclimatisation is so important. Weather can also be unpredictable, and the terrain can be tough in parts.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is how your body reacts to high elevations where the air has less oxygen. It usually starts to affect people at around 3,000 metres (9,000 feet) above sea level. Most trekkers experience mild symptoms. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly, allowing your body time to adjust to each new height. There are also other steps you can take to reduce the risk and ease symptoms if they occur.

Before heading to high altitudes, have a quick chat with your doctor.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for trekking to Everest Base Camp. It should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation (like helicopter rescue), medical expenses, and trip cancellation. Having insurance protects you against unexpected situations and ensures peace of mind on the trail.

We discuss the type of traveller's insurance you should take out in more detail in the Everest Base Camp trek cost.