The most iconic trek on earth — from Lukla through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche to base camp, with the finest Everest views from Kala Patthar.
Nepal pioneered commercial trekking, and its two great arenas — Everest and Annapurna — remain the most loved on earth. You sleep and eat in village lodges rather than tents, which makes even the highest routes surprisingly accessible. Beyond the classics lie wilder, restricted trails for those craving solitude.
Over 12–14 days, the trail reaches a high point of 5,545 m at a Mod–Hard grade, run from Lukla (fly from Kathmandu). The best window is Mar–May · Sep–Nov.
Enquire about this trek →A typical day-by-day for this trek. Exact stages, altitudes and stays can vary with the operator, season and conditions — confirmed, with departure dates, when you enquire.
Scenic mountain flight to Lukla, then an easy trek down to Phakding (~2,610 m).
Cross suspension bridges and climb to the Sherpa hub of Namche (~3,440 m).
Rest day with an acclimatisation hike to the Everest View Hotel.
Trek to the famous monastery at Tengboche (~3,860 m).
Climb above the treeline to Dingboche (~4,410 m).
A second acclimatisation day with a hike up Nangkartshang.
Trek past the climbers’ memorials to Lobuche (~4,940 m).
Reach Gorak Shep, then walk to Everest Base Camp (~5,364 m); back to Gorak Shep.
Dawn climb of Kala Patthar (~5,545 m) for the best Everest view, then descend to Pheriche.
A long descent back into the forest and Namche.
Final trekking day back to Lukla.
Morning flight back to Kathmandu.
This is a snow-season trek — its prime months are Mar–May · Sep–Nov.
The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.
Graded moderately hard. Long days, real altitude and some steep ground reward prior trekking experience and solid fitness.
It tops out at 5,545 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.
Most Nepal treks set off from Kathmandu / Pokhara — for this trek, the base is Lukla (fly from Kathmandu). Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.
Nepal requires a licensed guide on most trekking routes, plus national-park or conservation-area permits and a TIMS card. On a guided departure these are all arranged for you.
This is a cold-weather trek, so warmth and dry feet come first. Big technical items can often be rented from your operator; anything next to your skin is worth owning. Our field-tested essentials:
This trek reaches 5,545 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.
It is graded Mod–Hard, so it is better suited to trekkers with some hill experience, good fitness and ideally prior time at altitude — not a first-ever trek.
The best window is Mar–May · Sep–Nov. For the snow you are picturing, aim for the heart of that window.
In practice, no — a licensed guide is required here, and it is sensible: permits, navigation and safety at altitude are all handled by your team.
Expect snow and cold: nights at the higher camps drop well below freezing. The best months are Mar–May · Sep–Nov. Warm layers, a good sleeping bag and insulated boots are essential.
Plan for 12–14 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.
A guided departure is around ₹80,000+ per person, varying with group size and dates. Send an enquiry for the current all-in price.
Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.
Plan your trek