My Everest base camp experience

Everest base camp is an epitome of trekking in Nepal. For many adventurers, when they first consider a challenging Himalayan journey, Everest naturally comes in mind. Nepal has long been a premier destination for trekking enthusiasts, offering numerous established routes and many more currently being explored. Visitors often discover a wealth of trekking opportunities during their first trip to the country- yet for most Everest remains the definitive starting point.      

If Everest Base Camp is in your bucket list as well and you are thinking about hitting it soon, I encourage you to go ahead. It is so worth taking?

What is the best time for Everest trekking?

The earliest you can start is  From late February . It gets better in  March and best in April. The latest time you can enjoy is not later than mid May. Similarly, in the other part of year, it is possible to start Mid aAgust and it gets beter in September-October and best in November. The latest recommendable time is mid December. Although you can go to EBC even after that until late January but if you don’t mind upto -10 during the days and -25 during night. I went in January 10th and I had that cold experience. There were of course more trekkers  I met even at  time.

How much money I spent?

There are number of price segments. It depends on the services you pick.

Lets break the cost :

1. Kathmandu Lukla Kathmandu flight: $225 +$225 ( check the website of taraair.com )
2. Sagarmatha national park entry fees: NPR 3000
3. Village Development committee tax: NPR 3000
4. Food and accommodation : NPR 4000 × 12 days ( you can calculate based on your own eating habit. One meal will cost you NPR 500 to NPR 1300. The Cost will go up as you ascend .  Likewise, Tea or coffee per cup will cost you NPR 150 to NPR 300.
5. Englsih speaking mountain guide: $25 per day (you can opt not to hire guide if you are an experienced physically fit trekker to navigate the trail yourself.)
6. Porter: $15 per day. ( Again, you can choose not to hire porter if you are fit enough to handle your luggage in high altitude. Remember you gain upto 5545 m at the Kalapathar view point)  

 

What was it like flying to Lukla?

If you want to know what is to be expected in Lukla flight, there are hundreds of videos uploaded in social media for reference.  But, until you have your own experience, they don’t share the real feelings.

I went to airport an hour prior to my flight time scheduled at 7.30 am. But the flight could take off only at 9.15 am.  The flight to Lukla is usually unsure as it is subject to the weather condition and traffic in Kathmandu airport.  And wait a minute ! if you plan to trek  during March/April and September /October, you will have to first drive about 4 hours out of Kathmandu to Ramechhap airport . During the busy season, the Lukla flights are operated only from that airport. So, you will have to get ready to hop into your car at 1.00 am to get at airport in time.

Well, finally I flew and it was one of the most thrilling adventures of my life. The tiny plane soared above the lush green hills and snow-capped peaks, giving me breathtaking views of the Himalayas. As we approached Lukla, the pilot announced our descent, and my heart raced — the short, sloping runway seemed to cling to the edge of a mountain. The sudden drop beyond the runway looked terrifying yet fascinating. When the plane touched down smoothly, a wave of excitement and relief rushed through me. The adventure level was sky-high — a perfect mix of fear, wonder, and pure exhilaration. It felt like the real journey to Everest had begun the moment the wheels hit Lukla’s legendary runway.

 Aircraft: Usually a small twin-engine propeller plane such as a Tara Air, Sita Air, or Summit Air flight (Dornier 228 or Twin Otter).

  Flight duration: About 25–30 minutes.

 Altitude: Kathmandu is at ~1,400 m, while Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is at about 2,860 m (9,383 ft).

 Scenery: Stunning mountain views — the Himalayas, deep river valleys, and terraced hillsides are visible almost the entire way.

Thrill factor: Lukla’s airport is considered one of the most challenging in the world — the runway is short (527 m), sloped uphill, and ends at a cliff. Landings and takeoffs can feel intense but are handled by highly experienced pilots.

  Weather: Flights are heavily weather-dependent; delays or cancellations are common due to fog, wind, or clouds in the mountains.

Day wise  

Day 1 – Flight to Lukla / Trek to Phakding (2650 m)

The short flight to Lukla felt both thrilling and surreal as the aircraft glided between towering cliffs before landing on the tiny mountain runway. Meeting my guide and stepping onto the trail filled me with excitement—the adventure had officially begun. The walk to Phakding was gentle, passing mani stones, prayer wheels, and pine forests. The sound of the Dudh Koshi River accompanied us throughout. By the time we reached Phakding, I felt a wonderful blend of nervous anticipation and determination for the long journey ahead.

Day 2 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3450 m)

Today’s trek demanded more energy as we crossed several suspension bridges draped with prayer flags. The climb to Namche, especially the final uphill stretch after the Hillary Bridge, tested my stamina. My guide paced me patiently, encouraging short breaks. Entering Namche felt like arriving at a hidden mountain amphitheater—colorful shops, terraced houses, and breathtaking views all around. As I settled into the teahouse, I felt proud of completing my first major ascent. The thin air was noticeable, but the excitement of reaching the gateway to Everest lifted my spirits.

Day 3 – Acclimatization in Namche & Excursion to Everest View at Syangboche

The acclimatization hike to Syangboche was slow but deeply rewarding. As we gained height, Namche shrank into a beautiful bowl beneath us. At the Everest View Hotel, the clouds lifted briefly, revealing Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam—an unforgettable moment that made the entire journey feel worthwhile already. I felt my lungs adjusting to the altitude while my confidence grew. After returning to Namche, I spent the afternoon exploring the Sherpa museum and local bakeries. This day offered rest, learning, and an inspiring glimpse of the peaks guiding our path ahead.

Day 4 – Namche to Tengboche (3860 m)

The trail to Tengboche offered a wonderful mix of gentle paths and challenging climbs. As we walked through rhododendron forests, Ama Dablam stood like a guardian beside us. The final ascent to Tengboche monastery was tough, but reaching the top felt incredibly peaceful. The sound of monks chanting inside the monastery created a spiritual atmosphere that stayed with me long after we left. Standing there, surrounded by Himalayan giants, I felt a deep sense of humility and accomplishment. The evening tea tasted better than ever after such a rewarding day.

Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche (4345 m)

Today’s trek took us through quiet forests and into the wide, open Imja Valley. The landscape shifted dramatically—trees became sparse, and the air grew crisper. Passing through Pangboche, we visited the ancient monastery before continuing toward Dingboche. When we finally arrived, the village felt like a serene outpost amid towering peaks. I felt the altitude more strongly, but also a growing sense of resilience. The massive faces of Lhotse and Ama Dablam were constant companions, reminding me how far I had come and how close I was to the high Himalayas.

Day 6 – Acclimatization in Dingboche & Excursion to Nangkartshang Gompa

Our acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang was steep and demanding, but every step brought wider views of Makalu, Lhotse, and the glittering Imja Valley. The thin air made breathing harder, yet reaching the gompa felt deeply fulfilling. Standing above 5000 meters, I felt a genuine sense of achievement—it was the highest I had ever been. The wind was cold and sharp, but the scenery was powerful enough to warm the spirit. Returning to Dingboche for a relaxing afternoon gave my body the rest it needed for the journey ahead.

Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche (4930 m)

The trail gradually climbed through windswept valleys until we reached Thukla, where a steep ascent awaited. Climbing to the Thukla Pass was emotionally heavy, with memorials honoring climbers who lost their lives on Everest. My guide explained their stories, adding a sense of respect and reflection. As we approached Lobuche, the air grew thinner, but the excitement intensified—we were now very close to Base Camp. The mountains felt overwhelmingly massive, and every breath reminded me of my determination. Reaching Lobuche felt like crossing another milestone in this incredible journey.

Day 8 – Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5364 m) via Gorak Shep / Return to Gorakshep

Today was the day I had dreamed of. After a rocky walk to Gorak Shep, we continued toward Everest Base Camp. The trail was demanding, full of glacial moraine and uneven terrain, but adrenaline kept me moving. Seeing the iconic Base Camp sign, surrounded by prayer flags and the mighty Khumbu Icefall, filled me with emotion. I felt proud, grateful, and almost overwhelmed—I had reached the foot of the world’s highest peak. After photos and quiet reflection, we returned to Gorak Shep for the night, exhausted but triumphant.

Day 9 – Gorak Shep to Kalapathar & Trek to Pheriche (4240 m)

We started before dawn, climbing Kalapathar under a star-filled sky. The ascent was cold and breath-stealing, but reaching the summit as the sun rose behind Everest was magical. The golden light painted Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam in breathtaking colors. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. After soaking in the views, we descended, packed our bags, and trekked down to Pheriche. The thicker air felt refreshing, and I enjoyed the long, gentle walk. Today marked the spiritual peak of the entire trek.

Day 10 – Pheriche to Tengboche (3860 m)

Descending from Pheriche felt easier on my lungs, and I finally had the chance to look around and appreciate the landscapes without the pressure of altitude. The Imja Valley looked even more beautiful on the return journey. My legs were tired, but my mood was light—we had already achieved the hardest part. By the time we reached Tengboche, I revisited the monastery briefly, feeling a deeper sense of gratitude than during the ascent. The evening prayers echoed peacefully as I reflected on how far I had come.

Day 11 – Tengboche to Namche Bazaar

The trail back to Namche was a blend of steep descents and gentle climbs. My guide kept sharing stories about Sherpa culture, making the walk more engaging. When Namche finally appeared, I felt a wave of accomplishment. The town seemed livelier this time, and I treated myself to a warm bakery pastry—a small but satisfying reward. With the hard climbs behind me, I felt proud, relieved, and nostalgic. Tonight, Namche felt like a homecoming after a long and meaningful journey through the mountains.

Day 12 – Namche to Phakdingma

The long descent from Namche challenged my knees, but the lush scenery and energetic river made the trek enjoyable. Passing familiar bridges and villages felt comforting, as if the trail itself were congratulating me. We walked at a relaxed pace, chatting and reflecting on the highlights of the trek. Reaching Phakdingma felt easy compared to the earlier days, and I realized just how much stronger I had become. The sense of accomplishment stayed with me as I rested, knowing the journey was nearing its final steps.

Day 13 – Phakdingma to Lukla

The final trek to Lukla was full of mixed emotions—pride, relief, and a touch of sadness that the adventure was ending. Retracing my steps through the forests and rivers reminded me of my excitement on Day 1. This time, however, I felt transformed. My guide and I celebrated with a warm dinner, sharing stories and laughter. Arriving in Lukla felt like closing a beautiful chapter of challenge, endurance, and joy. I slept soundly, grateful for the unforgettable journey and the personal strength it revealed.

Day 14 – Flight back to Kathmandu

The morning flight from Lukla felt like leaving a dream behind. As the mountains faded into the distance, I reflected on the past two weeks—the effort, the altitude battles, the breathtaking views, and the profound sense of achievement. Landing in Kathmandu brought me back to bustling civilization, yet a part of my heart remained in the Khumbu. The Everest Base Camp trek had changed me, giving me confidence, humility, and memories I will carry forever.