How to get to Everest Base Camp: tips for first-time trekkers

Everest Base Camp might not be the summit of the world, but standing there will make you feel like it is. Set deep in the Himalayas near the border of Nepal and Tibet, Everest Base Camp lies at 5,364 metres, high enough to take your breath away in more ways than one. For mountaineers, it’s the launchpad to the top of Everest. But let’s clear this up: trekking to Everest Base Camp isn’t the same as climbing Mount Everest. Summiting the world’s highest peak takes months of training, technical gear, and serious mountaineering skills. But how do you get to Everest Base Camp? That’s something most fit, adventurous travellers can do with a couple of weeks, a good attitude, and a solid pair of hiking boots. 

For most trekkers, it’s the real prize, it's a journey through towering peaks, warm Sherpa hospitality, and a trail that tests your legs as much as your spirit. Most trekkers enjoy taking this classic route through Nepal, where the hikers will stumble across cute teahouses, informative guides, and helpful porters. You will also be able to walk through villages in the mountains and monasteries, across creaking suspension bridges with fluttering prayer flags beneath you. The higher you climb, the thinner the air gets and the more breathtaking the views will become. If you want an adventure, ticking off a bucket list, or are simply drawn to the mystique of Mount Everest, this is a journey that will leave its mark. Follow Alice will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get to Everest base camp, what to expect on the trek, and how to make it happen.

Learn more: 15 things you need to know before doing the Everest Base Camp trek

Hikers making the most of the EBC trek

There are two base camps on Mount Everest, one in Tibet and one in Nepal, but when people talk about “the” Everest Base Camp Trek, they mean the South Base Camp in Nepal. It's situated deep in the Khumbu Valley, beyond the village of Dingboche. This camp is where the famous trek ends and summit expeditions begin. Just beyond its rocky edge lies the Khumbu icefall, an intimidating wall of shifting ice that climbers must navigate to reach the top of the world. Everest Base Camp (EBC) is often described as the staging ground for climbers who want to summit Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet). Located on the southern side of the mountain in Nepal’s Khumbu region, EBC sits at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 feet) within Sagarmatha National Park. There’s also a North Base Camp in Tibet, positioned at 5,200 metres, but when people refer to “Everest Base Camp,” they’re usually talking about the one in Nepal. The Nepali Everest Base Camp can only be reached on foot or by helicopter as it's found deep in the Himalayas.

This isn’t just any trail, it’s one of the most legendary treks on Earth. Yes, its popularity means you’ll share the path with plenty of other hikers, and there are spots where the trail feels a bit worn. But none of that matters when you catch your first glimpse of Everest. It usually happens early in the trek, from a ridge near Ama Dablam. And in that moment, when the world’s tallest peak comes into view, all the effort melts away. You just stand there, grinning, knowing you’re on a path few ever get to walk.

Learn more: Everest Base Camp and Three Passes trek route

When it comes to mountain views, few treks compare to the Everest Base Camp trail. From the moment you set out, the scenery grabs your attention, snow-draped peaks, deep valleys carved by glacial rivers, and pine forests dotted with prayer flags. The views aren’t just about Mount Everest. You’ll also pass beautiful mountains like Lhotse, Nuptse, and the majestic Ama Dablam, each with its rugged beauty. These peaks don’t just rise, they tower, reminding you how wild and ancient this landscape is. Then there’s the Khumbu Glacier, which you will see beneath your feet, a slow-moving river of ice. It’s strangely alive, adding its sound to the silence up there. Standing beside it, you get a real sense of the power and scale of the Himalayas. For a moment, everything else fades away, and it’s just you and that incredible view.

There will be times on the trail when you wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. Maybe your legs feel like lead, or the thin air makes every step a battle. It’s tough, there is no sugar-coating it. But somehow, you keep putting one foot in front of the other. When you finally reach Everest Base Camp, it all clicks. The exhaustion, the doubts, and the effort were worth it. You’re standing beneath the tallest mountain on Earth, and it hits you: you did it. Not just with your body, but with your willpower and that EXACT moment you’ll carry it with you forever.

What makes the Everest Base Camp trek stand out, aside from the views, is how accessible it is. Despite its remote setting, the trail is impressively organised. You’ll find teahouses along the route, friendly locals ready to help, and clear paths that guide you through the Himalayas without the stress of navigating unknown terrain. For many, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and support, challenging, yes, but not chaotic. The trail lets you lean into the experience, rather than worrying about what’s around the next corner. 

Learn more: 15 things you need to know before doing the Everest Base Camp trek

A group of adventurers enjoying the scenic views

When asking how to get to Everest Base Camp, it’s important to understand the multi-step journey involved. Most travellers fly into Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. From there, they either take a short internal flight to Lukla or travel overland before beginning the trek on foot. The trek itself usually takes 12 to 14 days round trip, allowing for essential acclimatisation periods along the way.  The route from Lukla to Base Camp and back covers around 80 miles (130 km), typically broken into daily stretches of 8 to 10 miles (13–16 km). But it’s not about the mileage, it’s about the elevation. The route winds through Sagarmatha National Park, passing through historic villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep. The final leg involves a hike to Base Camp and optionally, a sunrise ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545 metres) for panoramic views of Everest. 

The trek to Everest Base Camp doesn’t hand out rewards without effort. This is a high-altitude journey that demands time, patience, and plenty of acclimatisation. The pace is deliberately slow, giving your body time to adjust to the thinning air. Itineraries are designed to keep the daily effort manageable, often well below average trekking speed, with acclimatisation hikes and recovery time built in. This method makes this journey not just doable but enjoyable.

Before embarking on this adventure, thorough preparation is important. While you don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer, you do need to be in good physical shape. Cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength are essential. It’s a good idea to start training eight to 12 weeks before your Everest Base Camp trek. Training should include hikes with a loaded backpack, stair climbs, and aerobic workouts. Begin with long walks or hikes once a week, and focus more on time than distance. You want to build up to walking five to six hours with only short breaks. If you don’t have access to hills or mountains, no problem. 

Use a treadmill with an incline or hop on the stair stepper a couple of times a week. It’s also worth adding two strength sessions a week to build full-body stamina, your legs will thank you when you're climbing those mountain trails. You should also research altitude sickness and its symptoms, and consult with your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation is non-negotiable.

Just a quick heads-up: if you haven’t done much exercise recently, or have any health concerns, it’s wise to chat with your doctor before jumping into training or signing up for the trek.

Learn more: Go for a checkup before trekking to Everest Base Camp

Follow Alice's tour group in front of the helicopter

Getting to Everest Base Camp is a journey in itself. It begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s busy and colourful capital, where rickshaws squeeze through the streets and the smell of spices fills the air. It’s worth arriving a couple of days early, not because of the altitude (Kathmandu sits at just 1,372 metres or 4,500 feet), but to settle in, pick up any gear you’ve forgotten, and see some of the city. Highlights include Durbar Square with its old temples and Boudhanath Stupa, draped in prayer flags. From Kathmandu, you’ll head to Lukla, the mountain town where the EBC trek begins. You can’t drive there, as there are currently no roads connecting it. (Though the government has said one is planned.) For now, there are two main ways to get there:

Flying is by far the most common and convenient option. While flights traditionally departed from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, things have changed. Since 2022, most flights to Lukla now operate from Manthali Airport in the Ramechhap District, about a five-hour drive southeast of Kathmandu. This shift is due to ongoing renovations at Kathmandu’s airport, which have reduced domestic flight availability significantly. From Lukla, the trek takes you through beautiful Sherpa villages, forests filled with rhododendrons, and across high suspension bridges, all while slowly gaining altitude on the way to Everest Base Camp.

If flights from Kathmandu to Lukla aren’t running, you’ll drive to Manthali first (about five hours from Kathmandu), then fly from there to Lukla.  All flights to Lukla, whether from Kathmandu or Manthali, are operated by small aircraft. This is because Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport has a short, sloped runway, which only light planes can handle. The flight from Kathmandu takes about 25 minutes, while the one from Manthali is even shorter, around 15 minutes.

It's important to remember that the weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so delays at Lukla Airport happen often. Flights only operate when conditions are safe for take-off and landing. We strongly recommend building in an extra day in Kathmandu at the end of your trek to avoid missing your international flight if you get held up in Lukla.

View of the mountains from Lukla Airport in Nepal

From there, you have a few different options to reach the starting point of your trek:

Learn more: Follow Alice's EBC trek and helicopter

A trekking group unwinds in a teahouse common room

When you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp, you’ll mostly stay in local teahouses, simple, family-run lodges with basic rooms and shared dining areas. Some of them offer extras like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and phone charging, but usually for an extra fee. You’ll find the best facilities closer to the start of the trek, where the teahouses are bigger and better stocked. Staying in teahouses is not only easy on the wallet but also a great way to support the local communities and soak up Sherpa hospitality. The rooms are straightforward: think wood or plaster walls, a single window, and low beds with foam mattresses. Most heating comes from a central stove lit in the evenings, though some places have heaters in the rooms. Hot showers are a rare treat, so don’t be surprised if you mostly get cold ones. If you’re trekking during the busy season, it’s best to book ahead.

Camping on the Everest Base Camp trek is possible, but not very common. Most people stay in teahouses because they’re cheaper and easier. That said, some organised groups or trekkers on custom trips choose to camp for a bit more privacy and the experience of sleeping out in the mountains. It takes more planning, since you’ll need extra gear, porters, and usually a cook. It also tends to cost more, but for some, the adventure is worth it.

In the lower sections of the Everest Base Camp trek, you’ll come across hotels and lodges instead of basic teahouses. They cost more, but you get extra comforts like private bathrooms and, in some cases, internet access. They're a good option if you’re after a bit more convenience and a comfortable place to rest.

Learn more: How much does the Everest Base Camp trek cost?

One of the first big choices you’ll face is whether to trek solo or join a guided group. Doing it alone can save you money, but you’ll need to sort out permits, flights, accommodation, and all the logistics yourself. If you’re an experienced traveller with plenty of time and don’t mind extra planning, going independent can work well. But for most first-timers, a guided trek takes the stress away, someone else handles the tricky bits so you can focus on the experience. It's something we pride ourselves on here at Follow Alice. While some prefer trekking alone, hiring a guide and porter can make your trip much smoother. Guides know the trails and local culture, while porters carry your heavy pack. Be sure to check what’s included when booking, some companies offer just carrying help, others full guiding services.

If you’re trekking solo, it’s wise to arrive in Kathmandu a few days early. This gives you time to sort out gear, finalise logistics, and handle any unexpected hiccups. You’ll also get the chance to explore the city before heading into the mountains. Delays from weather, altitude sickness, or stomach issues are common on the EBC trek, so build in a buffer, and a flexible schedule can make all the difference.

Are you short on time? Want someone to handle the logistics? Planning to go solo or meet new people? Not sure how you’ll handle the altitude? Want to hike down or fly out by helicopter? Answering these will help you decide if hiring a guide is worth it. The biggest challenge on the trek isn’t the distance — it’s the altitude. After a few days, you’ll be hiking above 4,000 metres, with some stretches over 5,000. A good itinerary builds in acclimatisation time to keep you healthy. Follow the golden rule: “climb high, sleep low.” The idea is to expose the body to stress gradually, giving it time to adjust, and then return to a place of safety to recover.

Most travellers need a visa for Nepal, available on arrival or in advance. For the EBC trek, you’ll need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit. If trekking from Jiri, you’ll also need a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit.

Remember to take out travel insurance. You need to ensure it covers trekking above 5,000 metres and includes helicopter evacuation.

 ATMs are only available in Namche Bazaar. Carry enough Nepalese rupees for the entire trek.

Well-equipped trekker ready to take on the Everest Base Camp trail

Learn more: Your complete Everest Base Camp packing list

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can hit anyone above 2,500m, no matter how fit you are. Your EBC trek includes acclimatisation days in places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help your body adjust, and use them to hike high and sleep low. Stay hydrated, pace yourself, and consider bringing Diamox. If symptoms get worse (like severe headaches, nausea, or confusion), always descend — altitude sickness isn’t something to push through. Listen to your body and take acclimatisation seriously. Stay well hydrated, skip the alcohol, and ascend gradually to give your body time to adapt. Acclimatisation days are built into the itinerary for a reason; use them to help prevent altitude sickness and stay strong for the trek ahead.

Learn more: Altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the adventure of a lifetime, but success lies in the prep. With the right planning, mindset, and respect for the altitude, you'll not only reach base camp but will take in every step of the journey through the beautiful Himalayas. If you want to, you can hike in from Lukla, take a helicopter, or combine both. The experience promises world-class scenery and unforgettable moments. Now that you know how to get to Everest Base Camp, start planning your trek with confidence and anticipation. 

Ready to start planning your trek? Book a call with us and we will answer any questions you might have.