The Complete Everest Base Camp Trek Guide

Everything you need to know before trekking to Everest Base Camp — from permits and packing to acclimatization and the best viewpoint at Kala Patthar.

The Everest Base Camp trek is a journey through the heart of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shelters the world's highest peaks. Over twelve days, trekkers cross suspension bridges hung above rushing glacial rivers, pass through Sherpa villages unchanged for generations, and climb to altitudes where the air thins and the sky deepens to indigo.

Acclimatization is the single most important factor in a successful Everest trek. The golden rule is to climb high and sleep low, adding an extra rest day at Dingboche (4,410 m) to let your body adjust to the diminishing oxygen. Hydration matters more than most trekkers expect — aim for four to five liters of water per day, and consider adding electrolyte tablets to replace the minerals lost at altitude.

Packing for Everest is about layers and reliability. A four-season sleeping bag rated to -20 C, a waterproof shell jacket, and a down mid-layer are non-negotiable. Trekking poles save your knees on the long descents from Namche and Tengboche. A good headlamp is essential for early-morning starts, especially on summit day to Kala Patthar.

The best viewpoint for Mount Everest is not Base Camp itself — it is Kala Patthar (5,545 m), a small hill above Gorak Shep. Most groups climb it before dawn on their final morning to watch the sunrise paint the southwest face of Everest in gold. The climb takes roughly two hours from Gorak Shep and rewards you with a panorama of Everest, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Glacier.

Permits required are the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Fee. Both are arranged in Kathmandu or Monzo on arrival. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation above 4,000 m is mandatory and should be arranged before you leave home.