Everest Region is one of the famous trekking regions in Nepal. In this region, Everest Base Camp is the most famous trekking destination.
A trek in Everest region to the world’s highest mountain- the Everest is a dream come true for many trekkers and travelers around the world.
Everest Base Camp trek 16 days is the best way to do this trek. It follows the professional acclimatization schedule for a safe and leisure trip.
The right acclimatization schedule helps to reduce the chance of altitude sickness. It gives your body time to adjust to the changing attitudes of the Everest Base Camp Trek.
During the Everest Base Camp 16 Days trek, you can trek at your own pace. You can also enjoy the natural scenery and the Himalaya trekking experience.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp 16 Days Trek
- A journey to Base Camp of the world’s highest mountain- Mt. Everest.
- Adventurous and scenic mountain flight to and from Kathmandu-Lukla.
- Magnificent and panoramic views of some of the highest mountains in the world. These include mountain peaks like Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and others.
- A chance to witness the lifestyle and culture of the legendary Sherpa people.
- A chance to visit and stay at different, remote villages along the trails like Lukla, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, and Dingboche.
- A chance to witness the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the Sagarmatha National Park
- Mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views on the snow-capped peaks.
- A chance to climb to the summit of Kala Pattar. Known for its magnificent views, it lies at an altitude of 5,545 m.
- A visit and chance to explore ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, mani walls.
Everest Base Camp 16 Days Itinerary at Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m/4412ft)
Day 2: Trip and permit arrangements. Meeting with staff and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Day 3: Short flight (30-40 mins) to Lukla (2840m/9320ft) and trek to Phakding (2610m/8560 ft), 3 to 4 hours of trek
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290 ft), 5 to 6 hours
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3860m/12660 ft), 4-5 hours
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4360m/14300 ft), 4- 5 hours
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Day 9: Lobuche (4940m/16207 ft), 4-5 hours
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m/17400 ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170m/16961ft), 7-8 hours
Day 11: Hike up to Kala Pattar (5545m/18192 ft) then trek to Pheriche (4270m/14070 ft), 7-8 hours
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290 ft), 5-6 hours
Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2840m/9320 ft), 5-6 hours
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 15: Rest day Shopping/ Leisure/ or other sightseeing tours
Day 16: Departure, or extend your tour for other activities in Nepal
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 Star Hotel
Highest Elevation: Kathmandu- 1345m/4412ft
You will arrive in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). From here, you will transfer to the respective hotel.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you will or can do the following:
- Stroll around the streets of Kathmandu.
- Enjoy a cultural dinner around your hotel.
- Drop by the trekking office to talk about your trip in detail. This includes the do and do-not during the trek. Feel free to ask any questions or queries you have about the upcoming trek. You need to make your payments, if not done. Make sure to bring your passport with a validity of 6 months. Also be sure to bring three copies of passport-sized photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance paper. These are requirements for your trek permits and also you can sign the paper of your trip. This also includes a non-liability disclaimer paper.
- A pre-trip meeting with all your trekking staff- driver, guide, porter (if the payment covers these).
Note: If you do arrive late in the evening then you can do these on the 2nd day of your trip.
Day 2: Trip and permit arrangements. Meeting with staff and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3 Star Hotel
Depending on your first day, your day may differ. If you arrived late, you will do your trip and permit arrangements on this day. You will also meet your trekking staff and leader.
Besides this, you’ll have a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. These will include the places you wish to see. If not, it includes a visit to three UNESCO Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple: This is one of the holiest Hindu temples of Nepal.
Located at the banks of the Bagmati river, you can explore the temple complex. There are beautiful pagoda style temples along with idols of gods and goddesses.
You will also notice the funeral pyre on the banks.
Boudha stupa: This is the biggest Buddhist pilgrimage stupa of Nepal. Built in the 5th century, the place offers a sense of peace and tranquility.
You will find many Buddhist pilgrims going around the stupa spinning the prayer wheels.
Swayambhu Stupa: This stupa is also known as the monkey temple by the tourists. The complex also has many other small stupas, Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu temples. It also offers beautiful views of Kathmandu city. On clear days, you can catch glimpses of the mighty mountains near the valley.
After exploring the city, you can choose to spend the evening as you wish. If you’ve to buy any trekking gears or things then your guide can take you to the trekking stores in Thamel.
Stay overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Short flight (30-40 minutes) to Lukla (2840m/9320ft) and trek to Phakding (2610m/8560 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
On the third day, Everest Base Camp Trek begins with the short and adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. In Lukla, you will have your breakfast. Hereon, your actual trek on foot begins.
You will trek towards Phakding and cross several swing bridges. The walking is easy. After passing through the small village of Ghat at 2,550 m, it is a short walk to Phakding.
Phakding lies above the Dudh Kosi River. Once here, you can choose to hike around this lovely village. Or else you can rest in the nice and cozy lodge or tea house.
Overnight at Phakding.
Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar ( 3,440 m/ 11,290 ft )
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
From Phakding, you will make your journey to Namche Bazaar. The route to Namche is slightly longer and more challenging. Yet the beautiful surrounding of the Everest Region will motivate you.
Continuing along the banks of the Dudh Koshi river, you’ll pass through several prayer wheels, stupas, and Buddhist shrines. You will also pass caravans of donkeys and yaks carrying goods up and down the trails.
Today, you will also enter the Sagarmatha National Park after passing Monjo village. Hereon, the trail becomes steeper.
While admiring the diverse flora and fauna of the region, you will reach Namche Bazaar. Considered the ‘Gateway to Everest’, it is the central hub of the Khumbu (Everest) Region. It is also the highest trade center in the world with many restaurants, hotels, lodges, shops, and money exchange services.
Overnight at one of the beautiful tea houses of Namche Bazaar.
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazaar
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
This is the first acclimatization/rest day of your 16 days Everest Base Camp Trek. To help your body to acclimatize better, it is ideal to go for short hikes around Namche Bazaar. It will help your body to adjust to the changing altitudes.
In Namche Bazaar, you can take a hike to the Khunde hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary. You can also visit the village of Syangboche, The famous Everest View hotel lies here. This is the main destination for the Everest View treks.
As the name suggests, you will get an awesome view of horse-shaped Namche valley. You can also enjoy outstanding views of Mt. Everest, Mt, Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, and Mt. Kusum Kanguru.
You can have lunch here or continue your hike back to your hotel. On your way back, you can visit the local, Sherpa Culture museum. It exhibits traditional costumes, jewelry and other artifacts of the local Sherpa people.
You can either choose to rest for the rest of the day or explore the beautiful and bustling Namche Bazaar.
Overnight at the same tea house or lodge at Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Trek to Tengboche (3860m/12660 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
You will head away from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. Tengboche is the oldest Sherpa village in the Khumbu region.
Here, the trails offer a splendid view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Aba Dablam, and Mt. Thamserku. During the spring, the trails here are colorful with flower blossoms in the dense rhododendron and birch forests.
You may also spot musk deer and Himalayan Thar.
From here, you reach Sansa. It is the main junction to Gokyo valley and Everest Base Camp.
After this, you climb a steep ascent to reach the famous Tengboche Monastery. It is one of the largest monasteries of the Khumbu region.
Once here, you can visit the ancient monastery. It is home to incredible ornate wall hangings and a 20-foot sculpture of Buddha. You can also see the musical instruments and robes of the Lamas (Buddhist monks).
Here, you can attend or observe a prayer ceremony either in the evening or the next morning.
The monastery is also the host of the biggest festival of the Khumbu region- Mani Rimdu festival. It takes places every year in October. For a more cultural experience, you can time your 16 days Everest Base Camp trek during this month.
Overnight at a basic tea house in Tengboche.
Day 7: Trek to Dingboche (4360m/14300 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
On the seventh day, you leave Tengboche and head towards Dingboche. Dingboche is your second acclimatization day.
Today, you continue your walk via lush forests. The trail begins with a drop to Debuche. You will cross another exciting suspension bridge over the Imja Khola (river).
Then, you take a gradual climb up to the Pangboche valley. The valley is home to Pangboche village which is the last permanent Sherpa farm village. It has different mani walls and chortens. You can also get a close-up view of Mt. Aba Dablam.
While enjoying the natural scenery, you’ll continue your walk to Pheriche and then to the Imja Valley. After a last and steepest climb of the day, you’ll finally reach Dingboche.
This quaint traditional Sherpa village offers exquisite views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam.
Overnight in a basic tea house in Dingboche.
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Dingboche
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
This is the second acclimatization day of the 16 days Everest Base Camp trek. After your breakfast, you will hike to the ridge on the northern side which is behind the village.
You will hike up to Nangkartshang Peak at 5,083m. The peak offers an excellent view of the gorgeous Ama Dablam. You can see Ama Dablam in its entirety. You also get a great panoramic view of Mt. Lhotse, and other surrounding peaks.
After enjoying the view you hike back to the village for lunch. The entire hike takes around 4 hours to do. You can spend the rest of the day resting in the tea house. Else you can explore the village of Dingboche village.
You’ll spend the night at Dingboche.
Day 9: Lobuche (4940m/16207 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Today, your trek begins with a climb to Dughla via the Khumbu Khola valley. Throughout your walk, you’ll enjoy majestic views of Mt. Pumori and Chola lake.
After crossing a small wooden bridge, the trail ascends to Dughla. Once you reach Dughla, you will climb up the steep terminal of the Khumbu Glacier. Here, there are many stone memorials. Each dedicated to the climbers who lost their lives during their Mt. Everest and other nearby mountain peak climbing expeditions.
Here, you also get an amazing view of other peaks including Pumori, Khumbutse, Lingtren, and Mahalangur Himal. After leaving behind the Khumbu Glacier, the trails climb up to the Lobuche.
The village of Lobuche lies at the foot of the giant Lobuche peak.
You’ll spend the night at Lobuche.
Day 10: Trek to Everest Base Camp (5300m/17400 ft) and back to Gorak Shep (5170m/16961ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
The day begins early with a short hike from Lobuche to Gorak Shep.
To reach Gorak Shep, you walk via rocky glacier. Here, if you choose, you can take a sidewalk to visit the Glass Pyramid. It is a meteorological station and a lab, established by Italy and Nepal government.
The station helps to track and read the Himalayan weather and the flow of the glacier.
In Gorakshep, you will grab a quick lunch. If all goes well, you’ll head towards Everest Base Camp. To do so, you follow the trails of Khumbu Glacier. You will catch the glimpse of Mt. Everest on the way.
Then you will reach Everest Base Camp (EBC). This is the closest you can get to the highest mountain on the Earth.
During spring and autumn, you may find expedition teams who are about to attempt the summit. From EBC, you get a spectacular view of the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall. You can also see many small frozen lakes around the EBC.
After time well spent on exploring the base camp and surrounding areas, you’ll descend back to Gorak Shep.
You’ll spend the night at Gorak Shep.
Day 11: Hike up to Kala Pattar (5545m/18192 ft) then trek to Pheriche (4270m/14070 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
Today, the day begins early in the morning. Your hike takes you to the highest Pass of your EBC 16 Day trek- Kala Patthar.
You will reach this famous viewpoint at 5,545m after walking for a few hours.
Once you reach the top, you’ll know why this trek is all so majestic and worth the journey.
It offers the best mountain panorama of Mt. Everest, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Pumori, and Mt. Ama Dablam. You can witness the marvelous sunrise over the highest mountain ranges of the world.
You can enjoy the beautiful moments with pictures, a pat on your back. After this, you will hike back to Gorak Shep. At Gorak Shep, you will have your breakfast. After this, you’ll retrace your steps back to Pheriche for an overnight stay.
At Pheriche, you can visit the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) office. It has a small medical post which has foreign volunteer doctors. They are available during the peak trekking seasons of Spring and autumn. They provide medical treatment to trekkers as well as local people. They also provide talks on first aid in the high altitude as well as high altitude risks and sickness.
Day 12: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11290 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
You make your way back to Namche Bazaar from Pheriche.
The trail drops downhill till you reach the village of Pangboche. You continue along the riverside and cross the bridge over Imja Khola. The bridge brings you back into the tree line as you climb up to Tengboche.
You can stop for lunch at Tengboche. Or continue onwards to Namche Bazaar.
Overnight at Namche Bazaar. Once here, you can enjoy a hot shower or relax in one of the many cafe, restaurants, and bars.
Note: If you wish, you can spend the night at other villages (Sansa, Monjo) along the trails.
Day 13: Namche to Lukla (2840m/9320 ft)
Accommodation: Basic Teahouse
From Namche Bazaar, you will cross the Dudh Koshi river from Namche Hill. From here, you’ll reach Monjo and leave the Sagarmatha National Park.
You continue your walk to Lukla via Phakding.
Most of the trails on this day are flat. You will pass beautiful, open forests of rhododendrons and pine.
It is also the last day with some of your trekking staff like guides, porters. So, it is your time to reward them if they did a splendid job. You may not meet them the next day.
Overnight stay at the lodge of Lukla.
Day 14: Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3-star Hotel
Today, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning. On the flight, you can enjoy the last glimpses of the Khumbu region.
Once at the airport in Kathmandu, you will transfer your respective hotel. You can choose the spent the remaining day as you wish. You can explore the city of Kathmandu or relax at the hotel or in many restaurants, cafes, and bars in Kathmandu.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 15: Rest day Shopping/ Leisure/ or other sightseeing tours
Accommodation: Kathmandu 3-star Hotel
This is a free day. You can do shopping, buy souvenirs for your close ones or spend quality time at Kathmandu. In the evening, you will have a final dinner together to celebrate the completion of Everest Base Camp trek 16 days.
Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
Note: This day is also reserved as a contingency and a free day in case of flight delay and cancellation at Lukla. This can and do happen due to unpredictable bad weather conditions.
Day 16: Departure, or extend your tour for other activities in Nepal
This is the last day of your trip with us. Else you can choose to extend your vacation. But, if you are ready to leave, then you will leave for the airport with a trek representative as per your flight departure time.
Some of the interesting ways to extend your trips to Nepal are:
- Jungle safari in Chitwan or Bardiya
- Mountain biking and mountain flight
- River rafting adventure
- Nepal tour and other activities.
The Luxury Option to 16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek
If you want or need an added level of comfort to your trekking experience, the luxury trek option can be for you.
You will reach the Base Camp of Everest in comfort.
The luxury trek includes luxurious private transport, the best available accommodation, meals, and drinks.
During the trek, you will follow the same route, at a slower pace. You will have more time to explore nature on your own and not have to share your rooms if you choose not to.
Best Time for Everest Base Camp 16 Day Trek
You can do treks to Nepal throughout the year. For EBC trek and all other treks in Nepal, there are two distinct best seasons.
These are the spring months of February, March, April, and May and the autumn, late September, October, and November.
December and January are very cold in the higher elevations. You can also get snowfall on the trails. During the months of June, July, and August, the trails are slippery and muddy in the lower altitudes. So, these are not the ideal time for EBC trek.
Final Say,
The Everest Base Camp trek 16 days is the perfect introduction to tea house treks in the Everest Region. Along with this, it takes you to the Base of the world’s highest mountain- Mt. Everest.
16 days Everest Base Camp Trek is an itinerary suitable and doable by all types of trekkers. This includes beginners looking for an adventure without prior trekking experience as well.
For any further queries or questions, feel free to contact us.
