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Everest Base Camp - Kalapathar Trek

The classic Khumbu journey through Sherpa villages, glacial valleys, Everest Base Camp, and the sunrise viewpoint of Kalapathar.

Duration

14 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Max altitude

5,545 m at Kalapathar

Best months

Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Route overview

A high-altitude trek for travelers who want the most iconic Everest approach without climbing technical terrain. The route builds altitude gradually through Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep before reaching Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar.

Trail sequence

Lukla

Phakding

Namche Bazaar

Tengboche

Dingboche

Lobuche

Gorakshep

Everest Base Camp

Kalapathar

Lukla

Highlights

Acclimatization time in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche

Tengboche monastery with Ama Dablam views

Everest Base Camp trail beside the Khumbu Glacier

Kalapathar sunrise over Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori

Preparation

Build up to 4-6 hour hikes with a loaded daypack

Practice steady uphill pacing and stair climbs

Carry tested layers, rain protection, and broken-in boots

Plan an acclimatization buffer around high-altitude days

Day-wise itinerary

Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding

2,610 m

Meet the trail team, cross suspension bridges, and ease into the Dudh Koshi valley.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar

3,440 m

Enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb steadily into the main Sherpa trading town.

Acclimatization walk above Namche

3,880 m

Hike to viewpoints near Khumjung and return low for a stronger acclimatization profile.

Namche to Tengboche

3,860 m

Traverse pine forest and river valleys before reaching the monastery ridge.

Tengboche to Dingboche

4,410 m

Walk past Pangboche and into a wider alpine valley beneath Ama Dablam.

Dingboche acclimatization day

4,900 m

Climb a nearby ridge for altitude exposure, then rest and hydrate in Dingboche.

Dingboche to Lobuche

4,940 m

Follow moraine trails and pass memorials on the approach to Lobuche.

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and Gorakshep

5,364 m

Move carefully beside the Khumbu Glacier, visit base camp, and sleep at Gorakshep.

Kalapathar sunrise and descend to Pheriche

5,545 m

Start early for the viewpoint, then descend to thicker air for recovery.

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

3,440 m

Retrace the valley with long downhill sections and a celebratory evening in Namche.

Namche to Lukla

2,860 m

Exit the park and close the walking section with the guide team.

Buffer day in Lukla or Kathmandu

1,400 m

Keep a weather buffer for mountain flights and final trip debriefing.

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