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The 12-day Everest base camp trek with many enchanting natural wonders is easily one of the most famous treks in the world. This Everest region trek consists of everything a traveler wants, beginning with the opportunity to witness the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8848m). Additionally, abundant glistening lakes, shining glaciers, and a wide range of diverse flora and fauna will make your Himalayas trek impossible to forget.
Everest Base Camp Trek 12 days explore most of the attractions in the Everest region. Situated in northeastern Nepal, the Everest region is known for the Himalayas. Besides Mt. Everest (8848m), there are several towering Himalayas like Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8485m), and Cho Oyu (8201m). Moreover, the Sagarmatha National Park covers much of the Everest Base Camp Trek 12-day route. One can enjoy a fantastic bio-diversity here, including rare flora and fauna. As such, there will be no shortage of breathtaking views on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
The Base Camp Trek route, which is 12 days long, among the many other Everest region treks, is known to be one of the best in the world. The availability of accommodation and other facilities, even in adverse weather conditions, is the major attraction of this place. Another attraction is the rich culture of the ethnic people living in the mountains. The traditional lifestyles of Sherpa communities have mesmerized people worldwide who indulge in the trek to Everest Base Camp.
The 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek cost is another factor attracting travelers. Considering the climatic conditions and the diverse geography, an average of $1200 – $1500 per person for a 12-14 day trip is attractive.
Besides the Short Everest Base Base Camp Trek, 12 days is the best Everest base camp trek option available. EBC Heli Tour, trek Everest base camp Panorama Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, Three Passes Trek, and Cho La Pass Trek. Similarly, Island Peak Climbing, Lobuche Peak Climbing, and Ama Dablam Expedition are other popular Everest mountaineering options.
The best time for Everest Base Camp Trek is autumn (September- November) and spring (March-May). These seasons’ faceless changes in the weather and the trekking to Everest base camp trails are also ideal. Moreover, the views are clear and mesmerizing during these seasons.
Outline for 12 Days Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary
- Day 1: Short flight to Lukla –Trek to Phakding
- Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 3: Acclimatization day trip to Namche Bazaar 3440 m
- Day 4: Trek to Tengboche
- Day 5: Trek to Dingboche
- Day 6: Acclimatization day trip to Dingboche.
- Day 7: Lobuche
- Day 8: Trek to Everest Base Camp – back to Gorakshep
- Day 9: Hike up to Kalapatthar, then trek to Pheriche
- Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar
- Day 11: Namche to Lukla
- Day 12: Fly back to Kathmandu
Detailed Everest Base Camp Trek 12 days Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Lukla and trek to Phakding
- Altitude: 2840m (Lukla) – 2610m (Phakding)
- Trekking time: 35 minutes flight + 3 hours trek
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The thrilling flight to Lukla offers a panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains of Ganesh, Langtang, Rolwaling, and the Everest range. The flight also gives you a chance to experience the geographical diversity of Nepal.
From Lukla, you will ascend through pine and rhododendron trees along the Bhote Koshi River. As you continue along the stone trails, you will reach Phakding. The thatched-roof houses and green crop fields will greet you at the end of the trip.
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House
The trek on the third day will lead you through the expanse of pine forests along the Dudh Koshi River. You also enter Monjo’s Sagarmatha National Park, a natural UNESCO world heritage site. The national park consists of some of the highest peaks in the world, with a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Himalayan bears, red pandas, and so on.
The trek’s destination is the famous Namche Bazaar, where you will view your first panoramic sighting of Mt. Everest (8848m) and its surrounding peaks.
Day 3: an Acclimatization day trip to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House
On the fourth day, you will spend time acclimatizing and exploring Namche.
You can hike to the village of Khumjung, where you can visit the local school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary. Similarly, Everest View Hotel, Khunde Village, and Syangboche are also ideal for short hikes from Namche.
After exploring to your heart’s content, you will return to rest at Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Trek from Namche to Tengboche
Altitude: 3860m
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House
our trek on the fifth day will include a trip to Tengboche. Exiting Namche, the trail will lead you to Sanasa. You will pass the Mong La Pass at 3975m to descend to Tengboche.
Here, you can visit the biggest monastery in the Khumbu region, i.e., the Tengboche Monastery. The view from the periphery of the sanctuary is breathtaking. You can see the beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6856m), and Thamserku (6608m), among others.
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
Altitude: 4410m
Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
You will now travel toward the desert-like lands of Dingboche through the alpine forests of Tengboche.
From Dingboche, you head towards Debuche and follow the Imja River to Pangboche. The small villages scattered along the way will give you a peek into the traditional Sherpa lifestyle.
The landscape of Dingboche will give you a view of high-standing mountains like Mt. Taboche (6367m), Mt. Nuptse (7861m), and Mt. Cholatse (6335m), and many more that will take your breath away.
Day 6: Acclimatization day trip in Dingboche
Altitude: 4410m
Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
The seventh day again is the day for getting used to the climate. You will take part in the day trip to Dingboche, where you will hike to the top of the nearby Dingboche Hill. The hike is tiring, but the spectacular view of the mountains from the top is worth it.
After the hike, you will return to Dingboche, where you will spend your next night.
Day 7: Trek to Lobuche
Altitude: 6119m
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
The trek on the eighth day is a little challenging. You will walk along the rocky path left by the Khumbu Glacier. The trek heads north to the Thukla Village. You will cross the Thukla Pass (4830m) to trek along the Khumbu Glacier.
The path is filled with the memorials of many climbers who started their trek on Mt. Everest and lost their lives. You will spend your night in one of the lodges in Lobuche.
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp- back to Gorakshep
Altitude: 5140m
Trekking time: 8 to 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
Finally, on the ninth day, you will reach your destination of your Everest Base Camp Trek, i.e., the Everest Base Camp itself at the height of 5364m.
Your trek upwards will be hectic as you must climb along the rocky steps and large rocks. The final part of the trek will take you along the Khumbu Glacier and Icefall.
At the Everest Base Camp, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges. Nuptse (7861m), Pumo Ri (7165m), and Lingtren (6749m) are some of the illustrious mountains that decorate the views.
You will then trek back to Gorakshep, where you will spend your night.
Day 9: Gorakshep to Kalapatthar back to Pheriche
Altitude: 5545m (Kala Patthar) – 4240m (Pheriche)
Time: 4 hours (To Kalapatthar) + 4 hours (To Pheriche)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
On the tenth day, you will trek along the rocky path to Kala Patthar’s viewpoint, one of the most esteemed landmarks in the Everest region. Here, the view of Mt. Everest (8848m) is even more spectacular. You can enjoy the vistas of the incredible Himalayan scenery of Lhotse (8414m), Nuptse (7861m), Khumbutse (6665m), and Ama Dablam (6856m), among countless other Himalayas.
Capturing the mesmerizing view in your memories, you will walk back down to Gorakshep and have breakfast.
Your return trek begins from Gorakshep as you descend along the Khumbu Glacier to reach Pheriche.
Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Altitude: 3440m
Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
Day 10 will be your trek back through the lush pine forests. You can enjoy the Himalayas and Imja River views as you retrace your steps.
The trail passes Tengboche and Phunke Tenga towards the beautiful Namche Bazaar. You can also take a side trip to the monasteries along the route.
Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Altitude: 2840m
Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Tea House.
The 11th day will take you through the lush pine forests with different flora and fauna. You will enjoy your last day of the trek along the Dudh Koshi River as you relive your tour memories.
You will go down the hills to Phakding and then take a short trek to Lukla.
Day 12: Flight back to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1300m
Time: 30 minutes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel.
You can revisit the spectacular view of the mountains on the 12th day of the trip when you return to Kathmandu by air. You can see, this time, the scene of high mountains changing to the view of green hills and river beds.
You can spend the rest of the day shopping in the streets of Kathmandu and rest in one of the hotels.
Finally, on day 12, your trip comes to an end. You will bid farewell to Nepal and its wonders as you fly back home.
Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Day is a surreal experience of majestic natural beauty and Sherpa culture. The trek includes fascinating encounters with the world’s highest mountains and offers a lifetime memory.