Self-Launched Everest Base Camp Trek – 15 Days

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Grab a pre-paid taxi from the official taxi desk inside the arrivals hall to Thamel, Kathmandu's backpacker hub (~£5–8). Check into a well-rated guesthouse in Thamel such as Hotel Encounter Nepal or Alobar1000. Spend the evening exploring Thamel's busy streets, grabbing a dal bhat dinner, and picking up any last-minute trekking gear.

🚌Pre-paid airport taxi to Thamel (~£6)

🛏Thamel guesthouse/budget hotel e.g. Hotel Encounter Nepal or Alobar1000 (~£12–18/night)

• →Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport
• →Pre-paid taxi to Thamel guesthouse (~£6)
• →Explore Thamel neighbourhood
• →Dal bhat dinner at a local restaurant (~£3–5)

Book a half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour via GetYourGuide or Klook covering Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square (~£15–20). In the afternoon, visit the Department of National Parks to obtain your Sagarmatha National Park permit (~£28) and TIMS card (~£15) if not already arranged. Hire a licensed independent guide and porter through a Thamel agency or trekking forum — budget roughly £20–25/day for a guide and £12–15/day for a porter. Also book your Kathmandu–Lukla flight (Twin Otter/Tara Air or Summit Air, ~£120–150 return). Attend a self-organised trek briefing with your guide.

🚌Walking / local taxi within Kathmandu (~£5)

🛏Thamel guesthouse/budget hotel (~£12–18/night)

• →Guided tour of Durbar Square (self-booked via GetYourGuide, ~£5 entry)
• →Visit Swayambhunath Stupa (~£2 entry)
• →Visit Pashupatinath Temple (~£12 entry for non-Hindus)
• →Obtain Sagarmatha National Park permit (~£28) and TIMS card (~£15)
• →Hire independent licensed guide and porter through Thamel agency
• →Book Kathmandu–Lukla return flight (Tara Air / Summit Air, ~£120–150 return)
• →Trek preparation briefing with guide

Early morning transfer to Tribhuvan Airport (domestic terminal) for your Lukla flight — one of the world's most spectacular mountain approaches (~35 mins). Land at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla (2,840m). Begin trekking through Chaurikharka village and descend along the Dudh Koshi River to Phakding (2,610m), a gentle 3–4 hour introductory trek. Check into a local teahouse — standards are basic but comfortable with hot meals included.

🚌Domestic flight Kathmandu–Lukla (~£65); trekking on foot

🛏Local teahouse in Phakding e.g. Buddha Lodge or Namaste Lodge (~£4–8/night, meals extra)

• →Early morning flight Kathmandu to Lukla (Tara Air / Summit Air, ~£60–75 one-way)
• →Trek through Chaurikharka village
• →Trek along Dudh Koshi River bank to Phakding (~3–4 hours, ~8km)

A moderate but rewarding 5–6 hour trek (10km, +700m ascent) along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing several iconic suspension bridges and entering Sagarmatha National Park at the check post (show your permits). The final steep climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440m) is challenging but unforgettable. Check into a well-rated teahouse in Namche.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Namche Bazaar e.g. Khumbu Lodge or Hotel Yeti (~£6–10/night)

• →Trek along Dudh Koshi River with suspension bridge crossings (~5–6 hours)
• →Enter Sagarmatha National Park (show permit at check post)
• →Steep climb to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)

Rest day for acclimatisation — essential at 3,440m. Explore Namche's colourful Saturday market (if timing aligns), browse trekking shops, and visit the free Sherpa Culture Museum. For an optional acclimatisation hike, walk up to the Everest View Hotel (3,880m) for jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas including Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam — no entrance fee, just order a coffee. Sleep back in Namche (sleeping lower reinforces acclimatisation).

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Namche Bazaar (~£6–10/night)

• →Acclimatisation rest day in Namche Bazaar
• →Visit Sherpa Culture Museum (free entry)
• →Explore Namche market and trekking shops
• →Optional hike to Everest View Hotel for panoramic mountain views (free, ~2 hours round trip)

A spectacular 5–6 hour trek (10km) with sweeping views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse. The route follows the Dudh Koshi valley before climbing to Tengboche (3,860m), home to the famous Tengboche Monastery — the largest in the Khumbu region. Attend an optional monk prayer ceremony in the late afternoon (free, donations welcome). Teahouses cluster around the monastery.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Tengboche e.g. Tengboche Trekkers Lodge or Ama Dablam Lodge (~£4–8/night)

• →Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (~5–6 hours, 10km)
• →Visit Tengboche Monastery (free entry, donations welcome)
• →Optional monk prayer ceremony at the monastery

A varied 5–6 hour trek (12km) descending through rhododendron and pine forests — keep an eye out for Himalayan tahr and musk deer — before ascending through open yak pastures past mani walls and chortens to Dingboche (4,410m). The altitude begins to bite here; take it slow and stay well hydrated.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Dingboche e.g. Himalayan Hotel or Peaceful Lodge (~£4–8/night)

• →Trek through forests with wildlife spotting opportunities (Himalayan tahr, musk deer)
• →Trek past mani walls and chortens to Dingboche (~5–6 hours, 12km)
• →Arrive in Dingboche (4,410m)

Second acclimatisation day — vital before pushing higher. Rest in the morning, then take an optional hike to the Nagarjun Hill viewpoint (~5,083m) for outstanding views of Island Peak, Makalu, and Lhotse. Alternatively, walk up the Chhukhung Valley for views towards the Imja Glacier. Return to your teahouse in Dingboche for the night.

🚌On foot

🛏Teahouse in Dingboche (~£4–8/night)

• →Acclimatisation rest day in Dingboche
• →Optional hike to Nagarjun Hill (~5,083m) for views of Island Peak and Makalu
• →Optional walk to Chhukhung Valley and Imja Glacier viewpoints

A tough 4–5 hour trek (8km) climbing steeply along the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche (4,940m). The terrain becomes more barren and dramatic. Kala Patthar and Pumori dominate the skyline. Altitude symptoms (headaches, fatigue) are common — acclimatisation days have prepared you for this. Teahouse facilities are basic at this altitude.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Lobuche e.g. Lobuche Highland Resort or Everest Summit Lodge (~£5–10/night)

• →Trek along the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier to Lobuche (~4–5 hours, 8km)
• →Views of Kala Patthar and Pumori
• →Arrive at Lobuche (4,940m)

The highlight of the entire trek. Set off early to Gorak Shep (5,164m), drop your bags, then continue across the rocky Khumbu Glacier moraine to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) — around 6–7 hours total trekking for the day. Stand at the foot of the world's highest mountain surrounded by the iconic Khumbu Icefall. Return to Gorak Shep for the night — facilities are very basic but the sense of achievement is unbeatable.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Gorak Shep e.g. Yeti or Everest Base Camp Lodge (~£6–10/night)

• →Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m, ~2–3 hours)
• →Continue trek to Everest Base Camp (5,364m, ~2 hours from Gorak Shep)
• →View Khumbu Icefall and glacier formations at Base Camp
• →Return to Gorak Shep for overnight (~1.5 hours)

Rise before dawn (around 4am) and hike to the summit of Kala Patthar (5,545m) in time for sunrise — widely considered the best viewpoint for Everest in the entire Khumbu region. Descend back to Gorak Shep for breakfast, then make the long downhill trek to Pheriche (4,288m), passing through Lobuche. A big day of ~7–8 hours but all downhill.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Pheriche e.g. Himalayan Hotel or Yak Hotel (~£4–8/night)

• →Pre-dawn hike to Kala Patthar summit (5,545m) for Everest sunrise views (~1.5 hours up)
• →Descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast
• →Long descent trek to Pheriche (4,288m, ~5–6 hours)

A long but rewarding descent (~7–8 hours, 20km) retracing the trail through Tengboche and back down to Namche Bazaar. With altitude dropping rapidly, energy levels bounce back and the valley views feel even more spectacular on the way down. Celebrate with a hearty meal and a well-earned beer in Namche.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Namche Bazaar (~£6–10/night)

• →Long descent trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (~7–8 hours, 20km)
• →Pass through Tengboche
• →Celebratory dinner in Namche Bazaar

The final full day of trekking (~7–8 hours, 19km), descending through Phakding and back to Lukla (2,840m). Check into a teahouse in Lukla and confirm your morning flight back to Kathmandu. Celebrate with fellow trekkers over a meal and drinks in Lukla's surprisingly lively café scene.

🚌Trekking on foot

🛏Teahouse in Lukla e.g. Sherpa Guest House or Lukla Lodge (~£5–8/night)

• →Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla via Phakding (~7–8 hours, 19km)
• →Confirm return flight booking
• →Celebratory dinner in Lukla

Early morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu (~35 mins) — weather permitting (have a contingency day in mind as Lukla flights are frequently delayed). Take a taxi back to Thamel and check into a comfortable budget hotel for your final night. Treat yourself to a traditional Nepali set dinner (dal bhat, momo, or thakali) at a local restaurant with cultural performances — try Bhojan Griha or New Orleans Café in Thamel.

🚌Domestic flight Lukla–Kathmandu (included in return ticket); taxi to Thamel (~£6)

🛏Thamel guesthouse/budget hotel (~£12–18/night)

• →Morning flight Lukla to Kathmandu (Tara Air / Summit Air, included in return ticket)
• →Taxi from airport to Thamel (~£6)
• →Hot shower and rest
• →Farewell dinner with traditional Nepali cuisine — try Bhojan Griha (~£10–15/person)

Final breakfast in Thamel. Pick up any last-minute souvenirs from Thamel or Asan Market. Book a taxi or pre-arranged airport transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight (~£6–8 by local taxi, or ~£15 for a private transfer). Allow plenty of time for international check-in.

🚌Local taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£6–8)

🛏N/A – departure day

• →Final breakfast in Thamel
• →Last-minute souvenir shopping at Thamel or Asan Market
• →Local taxi to Tribhuvan International Airport (~£6–8)