The Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek is a 14-day walk to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar with a five-star hotel in Kathmandu, the best lodges on the trail and a higher guide-to-guest ratio. Unlike our helicopter versions, you walk the whole route up and down.
Luxury Everest Base Camp Trek highlights
- Five-star hotel in Kathmandu with a half-day sightseeing tour.
- Luxury and semi-luxury lodges in the Khumbu where they are available, and the best teahouse rooms elsewhere.
- A higher staff ratio, supplementary oxygen, a pulse oximeter and a full first-aid kit.
- Complimentary use of a thick down jacket, a warm sleeping bag and a waterproof duffel bag.
- Everest Base Camp, a Kala Patthar sunrise and a Tengboche Monastery visit.
Who this luxury trek suits
It suits trekkers who want to walk the full route and experience the valley on foot, but who want better rooms, better support and more comfort each night. If you want to skip the walk down, see the Luxury Lodge Trek with helicopter return.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Airport transfer to your hotel and a trek briefing.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation
Visit Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and check your gear.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla, trek to Phakding (2,652 m)
A scenic flight to Lukla, then about 3 hours along the Dudh Koshi River.
Day 4: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
About 6 hours. Enter Sagarmatha National Park and catch the first view of Everest.
Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche Bazaar
Short hikes, including to the Everest View Hotel for views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Day 6: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m)
About 5 hours through rhododendron forest to Tengboche Monastery.
Day 7: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)
About 5 hours into the Imja valley.
Day 8: Acclimatisation day in Dingboche
Short hikes with views of Island Peak and Ama Dablam.
Day 9: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m)
About 5 hours beside the Khumbu Glacier, past the climbers’ memorials.
Day 10: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,140 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
About 8 hours in all, returning to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 11: Kala Patthar (5,550 m) and descent to Pheriche (4,240 m)
A sunrise climb for the best views of Everest, then down to Pheriche.
Day 12: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
About 6 hours down familiar trails.
Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,800 m)
About 6 hours. Farewell evening in Lukla.
Day 14: Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel or the airport.
Lodge standards fall as you climb. At Lobuche and Gorak Shep, rooms are simpler even on a luxury package, and we plan the schedule so you are rested for Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
What is included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu on arrival and departure.
- Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouse or lodge lodging on the trek.
- Meals on the trek, plus tea or coffee.
- Trekking permits, including the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.
- Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla.
- An experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porter service for your main bag.
- A medical kit and emergency helicopter evacuation arrangements.
What is not included
- International flights and your Nepal visa.
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation, which is required.
- Personal items, drinks, hot showers, charging, Wi-Fi, laundry and tips.
FAQs
What makes this trek luxury?
A five-star hotel in Kathmandu, the best available lodges on the trail, a higher staff ratio, supplementary oxygen and gear loans. The route and acclimatisation days are the same as the classic trek.
Are luxury lodges available all the way to Base Camp?
No. Luxury lodges are concentrated in the lower valley. At Lobuche and Gorak Shep, rooms are simple whichever package you choose.
Does this trek include a helicopter?
No, you walk both ways. If you want a helicopter return, choose the Luxury Lodge Trek or the Premium Everest Base Camp Trek.
Can I travel as a couple or private party?
Yes. Ask the office about private departures and group sizes.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours a day for two weeks. Luxury lodging improves comfort, but you still climb to 5,364 metres.