Trip Facts

Duration

17 days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

5,545m

Group Size

2–14

Starts

Jiri

Ends

Lukla

Activities

Trekking, Culture

Best Time

Spring, Autumn

Highlights

  • Trek the legendary Jiri-to-Everest route taken by the first Everest climbers
  • A true classic journey through off-the-beaten-path villages and serene valleys
  • Cross high mountain passes like Lamjura La and Taksindu La
  • Gradual acclimatization and cultural immersion before joining the main EBC trail
  • Reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and summit Kala Patthar (5,545m)
  • Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam & more
  • Blend of history, culture, and mountain adventure in one epic route

Overview

The Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking – 17 Days is a journey that takes you along the very route that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary once walked. Before Lukla Airport was built, this was the only way to Everest Base Camp—and it remains one of the most scenic and culturally rich trails in the Himalayas.

Beginning with a scenic drive to Bhandar via Jiri, the trek leads through charming villages, lush forests, and alpine ridges rarely visited by modern trekkers. This route goes at a slower pace, which helps you get used to the altitude and learn more about local life. As soon as you join the main Everest trail at Phakding, you’ll be on the well-known route to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and finally Everest Base Camp.

This plan is great for hikers who would rather be alone than take short-cuts and who want a more complete experience than the direct way to Lukla. The Classic Everest Base Camp Trekking adventure is a trip through the Himalayas you’ll never forget. It has beautiful mountain views, friendly locals, and well-trodden trails.

Gallery

Itinerary

We begin our adventure with a full-day scenic drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar via Jiri. The route winds through charming mid-hill villages, green terraces, and forested landscapes. Expect a bumpy yet rewarding ride into Nepal's heartland. Overnight at teahouse in Bhandar. Dinner included.

The trail descends steeply to Likhu Khola before climbing through terraced farmland and rhododendron forests. You’ll pass picturesque villages as you ascend to Sete, a tranquil Sherpa settlement. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

We climb steadily through lush forests to the Lamjura La Pass (3,530m)—the highest point before Namche. From the pass, we descend through mossy woods to reach the welcoming village of Junbesi. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

We enjoy our first glimpse of Mt. Everest today from Phurteng. The trail continues through Ringmo, climbs briefly, and descends toward the charming village of Nunthala. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

Descending to the Dudh Koshi River, we cross a suspension bridge and begin a long uphill trek through remote villages and terraced fields. We arrive at Bupsa, a peaceful spot nestled in the forest. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

We ascend to the Kari La Pass, walking through oak and rhododendron forests, and descend toward Surke. This area is quieter and lies below Lukla, offering peaceful surroundings. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

Rejoining the main Everest trail, we follow the Dudh Koshi River and walk through Cheplung and Ghat villages before reaching the lively settlement of Phakding. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

We enter Sagarmatha National Park and climb steeply through pine forests, crossing high suspension bridges. The hike to Namche is challenging, but your first view of Everest makes it worth it. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

Today we rest and acclimatize. A short hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung offers stunning panoramas and helps your body adapt to the altitude. Namche has bakeries, shops, and Wi-Fi for a relaxed afternoon. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

Following a scenic trail with views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Thamserku, we descend to Phunki Tenga and then climb through pine forests to Tengboche. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery before sunset. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

The trail descends to Debuche, crosses the Imja River, and climbs past Pangboche toward the windswept valley of Dingboche. Alpine views dominate the landscape. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

We take a side hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m), offering panoramic views of Makalu, Island Peak, and Lhotse. You should rest and let your body get used to it today. Night at the teahouse. It comes with dinner.

We go slowly uphill to get to the Thukla memorial spot for climbers who have died. We then go on to Lobuche, where we can get a better look at Nuptse and Pumori. Night at the teahouse. It comes with dinner.

Today is the highlight! We trek across rocky terrain to Everest Base Camp. After taking photos and soaking in the views, we return to Gorak Shep for the night. Overnight at teahouse. Dinner included.

An early hike to Kala Patthar offers a spectacular sunrise view over Mt. Everest. After breakfast, we board a scenic helicopter flight back to Kathmandu, flying over the Khumbu Valley. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. Breakfast included.

Take it easy for the whole day in Kathmandu. You can rest at your hotel, buy souvenirs, or visit historic places like Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square. It's also a backup day in case the flight from Lukla is late. Stay the night at the hotel. It comes with breakfast.

The old-school Everest trip is over today. We'll take you to Tribhuvan International Airport so you can catch your next trip. It comes with breakfast.

Cost Details

Included

  • Airport pickups/drop-offs in Kathmandu
  • Private jeep transfer to Bhandar (via Jiri)
  • Domestic flight: Lukla to Kathmandu
  • 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights with breakfast)
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
  • One porter for every two trekkers
  • All necessary permits: TIMS, national park, local fees
  • First-aid kit, map, duffel bag (provided by company)

Excluded

  • International airfare & Nepal visa fees
  • Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)
  • Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging, snacks)
  • Travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Trekking gear & equipment
  • Tips for guides and porters

Useful Information

When is the best time to go?

March through May (spring flowers) and September through November (clear skies and stable weather) are the best months.  Don’t go during the rainy season (June–August) or the middle of winter (Dec–Feb) unless you’re ready for snow and cold.

Altitude Awareness: One of the best things about this route is that it starts low in Jiri, which helps your body get used to the higher elevation over time. But AMS is still a problem above 3,000m.  Don’t forget to drink a lot of water, climb slowly, and take acclimation days.

Internet and charging: You can get a mobile service up to Namche, but it gets spotty higher up. Most teahouses charge a small fee to use Wi-Fi. There are also fees to charge your gadgets, so bring a power bank and a solar charger with you.

Food and lodging: Teahouses have simple but clean rooms that are shared by two people, and the bathrooms are shared. There is dal bhat, noodles, pancakes, eggs, soups, and snacks for meals. Higher up, it’s usual to have warm dining rooms with a fireplace.

Hardness of the Trek: This is a fairly difficult trek that is good for people who are in good shape. You can expect to hike for several days in a row and climb some steep hills. It takes longer than the normal EBC trip because of the extra step through Jiri.

You need a trekking permit to:

What you’ll need:

  • Permit for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area (for the Jiri part)
  • Permit for Sagarmatha National Park
  • Permit for Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality

Money Tip: From Kathmandu, bring enough cash for NPR because there are no ATMs after Namche. It costs more to do everything as you go up.

Safety & Insurance: Make sure your trip insurance covers both high-altitude trekking and being flown out in an emergency by helicopter. Bring a headlamp, a simple first-aid kit, and tablets that clean water.

Cultural Etiquette: Respect the habits of the people you’re visiting. When you’re in a town or a monastery, dress modestly and always ask permission before taking a picture of someone. Walk clockwise around mani stones and stupas.

FAQs

Yes, but it’s more scenic and offers better acclimatization with fewer crowds.

Yes, if you have good physical fitness and preparation. No technical skills needed.

TIMS Card, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, and local entry fee all handled by us.

Lukla flights are weather-dependent. Keep a flexible schedule or an extra buffer day if possible.