The classic trek to the foot of the world's highest peak
Distance
45.1 km
Max elevation
5,364m
Duration
12-14 days
Safety classification
DifficultyMulti-day trek
GuideGuide required (law)
GearTraction / poles
OfficialYes
MaintainedYes
Season
Best: October–November and March–May (NTB, Sagarmatha NP page). December–February is possible per NTB but means snow and daytime temperatures near 5°C at Namche — severe cold and snow-covered trail above Dingboche/Lobuche. June–September monsoon: cloud, trail damage, and frequent Lukla flight cancellations — not a safe window.
Hazards
▲Altitude illness (AMS/HACE/HAPE) — trek tops out at 5,364 m (Kala Patthar 5,545 m); NTB: altitude illness can be life-threatening above 2,500 m; limit sleeping-altitude gain to 300–500 m/day and descend immediately if symptoms worsen
▲Severe cold and wind above Lobuche, worst December–February
▲Rapid weather change; Lukla flight weather delays can strand trekkers and compress acclimatization schedules
▲Winter/shoulder-season snow and ice on the trail above ~4,000 m
Guide is a legal requirement: NTB's Revised TIMS Provision (31 Mar 2023) names the 'Everest Basecamp Trek' among routes where trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and carry an agency-issued TIMS card, with no printed exception. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality separately issues its own 'Trek-Card' (passport + photo, NPR 2,000 SAARC/China, NPR 3,000 others, Tourist Information Centre Lukla); its site states no guide, agency, or TIMS condition, but silence from the local authority does not lift the national mandate — treat the licensed guide as required. Permits: Sagarmatha NP entry NPR 3,000 (foreigners) plus the Khumbu Trek-Card. Do not fly Kathmandu–Lukla–EBC without acclimatization days (Namche and Dingboche).
Verified 2026-08-23Official source ↗Dept of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation (Nepal)
