Self-Launched Everest Base Camp Trek

Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Take the prepaid taxi from the official Airport Queue Taxi counter inside the baggage hall — around 500 NPR (~£3.50) to the tourist district of Thamel. Check into a guesthouse in Thamel, the backpacker hub of Kathmandu. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, sorting your trekking permits, hiring or checking gear, and buying any last supplies. You'll need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card (~£15) and a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit (~£25), both obtainable at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Thamel. Consider hiring a local independent porter/guide here or arranging one in Lukla.

🚌Prepaid taxi from KTM airport to Thamel ~£3.50 (500 NPR). Book your Lukla flight in advance via Tara Air or Summit Air (~£160-180 return per person — book early as seats sell out).

🛏Thamel guesthouse (e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or similar) — expect to pay £10-15/night for a clean double/twin room

• →Arrange TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park permit at Nepal Tourism Board office, Thamel (~£40 total)
• →Hire or check trekking gear — sleeping bags, poles, and down jackets can all be rented cheaply in Thamel (~£5-10/day)
• →Explore Thamel markets and stock up on snacks and water purification tablets
• →Visit Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple if time allows

Take an early morning domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport) — one of the world's most dramatic runways, with one end 60 metres higher than the other. Flights depart from Ramechhap airport (roughly 4–5 hours by bus from Kathmandu) in peak season to ease congestion — check with your airline when booking. From Lukla, begin your trek downhill through pine forests and along the Dudh Kosi River to Phakding (~3 hours, 8km). Watch for yak caravans and keep an eye out for musk deer and Himalayan tahr. Settle into your teahouse for the night.

🚌Domestic flight Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla (~£80 one-way per person). Trek on foot from Lukla to Phakding.

🛏Teahouse in Phakding — basic but comfortable, typically £3-6/night per person (cost of dinner and breakfast often expected as part of staying)

• →Domestic flight Kathmandu to Lukla — Tara Air or Summit Air (~£80 one-way, included in return fare estimate)
• →Trek Lukla (2,840m) to Phakding (2,652m): ~3 hours, 8km, relatively easy descent
• →Spot wildlife along the Dudh Kosi River — musk deer, Himalayan tahr, water rats

A classic 6-hour, 9km hike today, crossing several dramatic suspension bridges high above the Dudh Kosi River and passing through the village of Monjo, where you'll pass the Sagarmatha National Park entrance checkpoint (have your permit ready). The final climb up to Namche Bazaar is steep — around 600m of ascent — but worth every step. Namche is the administrative and trading capital of the Khumbu region, a vibrant hub full of gear shops, bakeries, Wi-Fi cafes and colourful lodges. Arrive and get settled before your acclimatisation day tomorrow.

🚌On foot — full trekking day

🛏Teahouse or guesthouse in Namche Bazaar — wider choice than lower villages; expect £5-10/night. Try Hotel Khumbu or similar.

• →Trek Phakding to Namche Bazaar: ~6 hours, 9km, significant ascent on the final section
• →Cross the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge over the Dudh Kosi Gorge
• →Pass through Sagarmatha National Park entrance checkpoint — have your permit ready
• →Explore Namche Bazaar's famous gear shops and bakeries on arrival

Do NOT skip this acclimatisation day — ascending too fast is the primary cause of altitude sickness. The golden rule of high-altitude trekking is 'climb high, sleep low'. Take a hike up to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for your first clear views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam — a stunning reward for the climb. Continue to the villages of Khumjung and Khunde (the so-called 'green village'), passing intricately carved Buddhist mani stones and chortens. If it's Saturday, don't miss Namche's legendary weekly market, which draws traders from villages days away. Return to Namche to sleep.

🚌On foot — acclimatisation hikes only

🛏Teahouse or guesthouse in Namche Bazaar (same as Day 3)

• →Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam — free, self-guided
• →Walk to Khumjung and Khunde villages, past elaborately carved Buddhist mani stones
• →Visit the Sagarmatha National Park Museum (small entry fee ~£1)
• →Browse Namche Bazaar's Saturday market if visiting on the right day

A stunning 5–6 hour, 9km trek today through rhododendron and pine forests, past mani stone walls and chortens, and across more swaying suspension bridges above the Dudh Kosi. As you gain altitude, the mountain panorama ahead becomes increasingly spectacular — Thamserku, Kantega, Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest itself gradually fill the skyline. Arrive at Tengboche, home to the famous Tengboche Monastery (Gompa), the largest in the Khumbu region. If your timing is right, you may catch the monks' evening puja (prayer ceremony). The views from the monastery grounds are among the finest on the entire trek.

🚌On foot — full trekking day

🛏Teahouse in Tengboche — basic mountain lodge, ~£4-7/night

• →Trek Namche Bazaar to Tengboche: ~5-6 hours, 9km through rhododendron forests
• →Visit Tengboche Monastery (Gompa) — free entry, donations welcome
• →Attend the monks' evening puja ceremony if available
• →Spot wildlife in the national park — musk deer and pheasants are common here

Today's 6-hour, 8km trek descends through stone steps into lush forest past the small nunnery at Deboche, before climbing through alpine meadows that burst with wildflowers in summer. Pass the village of Pangboche, whose gompa (Pangboche Monastery) is the oldest in Khumbu, with legends of the saint Lama Sanga Dorje. You're now above 4,000m and will likely begin to feel the altitude — take it slow, drink plenty of water and eat well. Arrive in Dingboche, a small but surprisingly well-equipped village with outstanding views of Ama Dablam and Island Peak.

🚌On foot — full trekking day

🛏Teahouse in Dingboche — facilities become more basic above 4,000m; ~£4-7/night

• →Trek Tengboche to Dingboche: ~6 hours, 8km through alpine meadows
• →Stop at Deboche Nunnery en route — modest donation appreciated
• →Visit Pangboche Monastery, the oldest gompa in the Khumbu
• →Acclimatise gently on arrival — short walk above the village recommended

Another essential acclimatisation day — you are now at 4,410m and the days ahead push well above 5,000m. Follow the Imja Khola tributary up towards Chhukung (4,730m) or hike up to Nagarzhang Peak for jaw-dropping views of Island Peak (6,189m), Lhotse, Ama Dablam and the fluted ice walls of the Amphu Lapcha pass. This is widely considered one of the trek's greatest viewpoints. Return to Dingboche to sleep lower. Watch yourself for symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) — headache, nausea, dizziness. If symptoms are severe, descend immediately.

🚌On foot — acclimatisation hikes only

🛏Teahouse in Dingboche (same as Day 6)

• →Hike to Chhukung (4,730m) or Nagarzhang Peak for panoramic high-altitude views — self-guided, no cost
• →Rest, rehydrate and eat well — altitude affects appetite but nutrition is vital
• →Monitor yourself and fellow trekkers for AMS symptoms

A demanding 5-hour, 7km trek through sweeping alpine meadows and summer yak pastures. The route passes the Thukla Pass memorial — a moving collection of stone monuments and cairns commemorating climbers and Sherpas who have died on Everest and in the Khumbu Icefall. Take a moment to reflect here. The final ascent to Lobuche is steep and challenging as the altitude bites. Your reward is an extraordinary sunset view towards Nuptse, with the entire Khumbu massif spread before you. Eat a hearty dinner and get an early night — you'll need your energy for tomorrow.

🚌On foot — full trekking day

🛏Teahouse in Lobuche — very basic at this altitude, ~£4-7/night. Bring your sleeping bag liner — it gets cold.

• →Trek Dingboche to Lobuche: ~5 hours, 7km with steep ascent at altitude
• →Pay respects at the Thukla Pass climber's memorial
• →Evening views of Nuptse and the Khumbu Glacier from Lobuche

The big day. Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (~3 hours, 6km), the last permanent settlement on the route, sitting beside a usually frozen lake. Catch lunch here and rest briefly before setting out on the final push to Everest Base Camp (~4 hours return from Gorak Shep). The route follows the edge of the legendary Khumbu Glacier, with its extraordinary 15-metre seracs of blue ice towering around you. Arriving at Base Camp (5,364m) is an enormous personal achievement — take your time to soak it in. Return to Gorak Shep for a short night's sleep before the pre-dawn start tomorrow.

🚌On foot — full and demanding trekking day

🛏Teahouse in Gorak Shep — the highest and most basic on the route, ~£5-8/night

• →Trek Lobuche to Gorak Shep: ~3 hours, 6km along the Khumbu Glacier moraine
• →Trek Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back: ~4 hours return — the ultimate goal!
• →Walk alongside the towering blue seracs of the Khumbu Glacier
• →Celebrate your arrival at Base Camp — photograph the iconic prayer-flag-covered glacier

Set your alarm for around 4am for the short but steep 1.5-hour pre-dawn hike to the summit of Kala Patthar (5,545m) — the highest point of the trek and the place where most iconic Everest photographs are taken. Watch the sunrise paint the face of Everest gold above you. It is breathtaking. Descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then begin the long descent back down to Pheriche (5km, a few hours). The altitude drops significantly and most trekkers feel dramatically better below 5,000m. Enjoy the scenery with fresh eyes on the way down.

🚌On foot — mixed early morning hike and descent day

🛏Teahouse in Pheriche (4,270m) — a welcome relief after Gorak Shep; ~£4-7/night

• →Pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m): ~1.5 hours, the highest point of the trek
• →Witness sunrise over Everest — one of the world's great natural spectacles
• →Trek descent from Gorak Shep to Pheriche: ~5km, moderate difficulty

Begin the return journey, descending through increasingly lush and oxygen-rich air — your lungs will thank you. Pass through Pangboche again and continue downhill past Tengboche and along the ridge toward Kyangjuma (~4 hours trekking). The route drops over 500m in altitude from Pheriche, making this a relatively comfortable day compared to the upward journey. The highest permanently inhabited settlement in Khumbu, Pangboche, is worth a second look in the daylight.

🚌On foot — trekking day

🛏Teahouse in Kyangjuma (~3,840m) — ~£4-6/night

• →Trek Pheriche to Kyangjuma: ~4 hours, predominantly downhill
• →Revisit Tengboche Monastery with fresh perspective on the descent
• →Enjoy noticeably better breathing as altitude decreases

A longer 5-hour trekking day, continuing the descent back through Namche Bazaar — stop here for a celebratory slice of cake at one of the many bakeries; you've earned it! Continue descending past mani stone walls and suspension bridges, dropping another 1,000m in altitude to the village of Monjo. Lush vegetation returns around you and the air feels noticeably warm compared to the high camps. A satisfying and picturesque day.

🚌On foot — trekking day

🛏Teahouse in Monjo (2,835m) — ~£3-6/night

• →Trek Kyangjuma through Namche Bazaar to Monjo: ~5 hours
• →Treat yourself to a meal or baked goods in Namche Bazaar on the way through
• →Cross the suspension bridges above the Dudh Kosi Gorge — appreciate them even more on the descent

The final day of trekking — a 3-hour walk from Monjo back to Lukla, retracing the familiar trail along the Dudh Kosi River. Arrive in Lukla by midday and take time to rest, celebrate, and swap stories with other returning trekkers. Lukla has a surprisingly good selection of lodges and restaurants for such a remote spot. Treat yourself to a well-deserved hot shower, a cold beer and a proper meal. Your internal Lukla–Kathmandu flight will be confirmed for the morning — check with your airline (Tara Air or Summit Air) for the schedule.

🚌On foot — short final trekking day

🛏Lodge in Lukla — better facilities than trail teahouses; ~£5-10/night

• →Trek Monjo to Lukla: ~3 hours, final day of trekking
• →Celebrate completing the Everest Base Camp trek in Lukla
• →Confirm morning flight back to Kathmandu/Ramechhap with Tara Air or Summit Air
• →Rest legs and enjoy Lukla's surprisingly good teahouses and restaurants

Take the morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu (or Ramechhap, then bus to Kathmandu). Flights are weather-dependent — have some buffer in your travel plans. Back in Kathmandu, check into your Thamel guesthouse and enjoy a long, hot shower. The rest of the day is yours: explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, or the medieval city of Bhaktapur (about 30 minutes by bus). Thamel has excellent restaurants, rooftop cafes and bars to celebrate your achievement. The perfect evening to treat yourself.

🚌Domestic flight Lukla to Kathmandu (~£80 one-way). Local taxi or bus from airport to Thamel ~£3.50.

🛏Thamel guesthouse (same area as Day 1) — £10-15/night

• →Domestic flight Lukla to Kathmandu (~£80 one-way, included in return fare)
• →Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) — entry ~£2, stunning city views
• →Explore Thamel's rooftop restaurants and cafes to celebrate
• →Optional day trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (~£12 entry, 30 min by bus)

Your EBC adventure ends today. Depending on your departure flight, use any remaining time to pick up last-minute souvenirs in Thamel — prayer flags, thangka paintings, yak wool goods and locally made crafts make excellent mementos. A prepaid taxi from the official airport counter (~£3.50) will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Allow plenty of time — Kathmandu traffic can be unpredictable.

🚌Prepaid taxi from Thamel to KTM airport ~£3.50

🛏Depart today — no accommodation needed (or extend your stay in Thamel if your flight is late)

• →Last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel
• →Prepaid taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£3.50)