Everest Luxury Trek with Helicopter Transfers

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.

To trek to Everest Base Camp, you’ll need sturdy and reliable gear to handle the cold, high-altitude conditions. Be sure to pack well-worn hiking boots, a warm down jacket, thermal base layers, and a four-season sleeping bag. Trekking poles are also essential for stability on uneven terrain, and you’ll want a comfortable daypack for your daily essentials. Your main belongings go in a duffel bag, which is carried by your porter or yak.

Read more: Everest Base Camp packing list

The Everest Base Camp trek isn’t considered technically difficult, but it does come with real risks, mostly due to the high altitude. The biggest concern is altitude sickness, which can affect anyone regardless of fitness level. That’s why it’s important to acclimatise properly, follow a slow and steady pace, and stay well-hydrated.

Weather can also be unpredictable, and the terrain is rugged in places, so having a qualified guide, the right gear, and travel insurance is essential for staying safe. With the right preparation, most trekkers complete the journey safely and have an unforgettable experience.

Learn more about this important topic in How hard is Everest Base Camp?

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.

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 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 classic Everest Base Camp trek covers approximately 130 km (81 miles) round trip. That’s about 65 km (40 miles) each way from Lukla to Base Camp and back. The distance is spread out over 12 to 14 days, giving your body time to acclimatise to the high altitude and allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning scenery along the way, from Sherpa villages to the beautiful Himalayan peaks.

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.

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.