Everest Base Camp Trek

Your Everest Base Camp adventure begins as you check in for your international flight from Zurich, bound for Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. Depending on your routing, the journey may include a layover, giving you time to relax before the trek ahead. As you approach Kathmandu, look out for your first glimpses of the terraced hills and forested foothills that mark the edge of the Himalayas.

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) and transfer to your 4-star hotel. With the rest of the day free, take time to rest after your flight, meet your trekking guide, review the days ahead, and do any last-minute shopping for trekking gear in the Thamel district. This is also a good opportunity to double-check your equipment and ask any final questions before setting off toward the Khumbu.

Take an early and scenic 35-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft), one of the most famous mountain airstrips in the world, or, depending on seasonal flight scheduling, drive by shared tourist vehicle to Manthali/Ramechhap (474 m/1,555 ft), a journey of 5 to 6 hours, followed by a shorter 20-minute flight to Lukla. On arrival, meet your trekking crew and set off on the trail, descending gently through pine forest and past mani walls and prayer flags to reach Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft), a walk of around 3 to 4 hours alongside the Dudh Koshi River.

Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft), a 5 to 6-hour walk that includes crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, including the dramatic Hillary Suspension Bridge, before a steep, switchbacking climb up to Namche. Along the way, you'll pass through Sagarmatha National Park's entry checkpoint at Monjo, and, on a clear day, catch your first distant glimpse of Mount Everest. Namche Bazaar itself is the bustling trading hub of the Khumbu, with shops, bakeries, and a lively Saturday market.

Spend a crucial acclimatization day at Namche (3,440 m/11,286 ft), with a hike up to the Hotel Everest View (3,880 m/12,730 ft) and back, taking around 4 to 5 hours round trip. This higher-altitude excursion offers extraordinary panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku, and follows the trekking principle of climbing high and sleeping low to aid acclimatization. Many trekkers also use part of the day to explore Namche's shops, cafes, and the excellent Sherpa Culture Museum.

Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft), a 5 to 6-hour walk along a scenic trail with continuous views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The route descends to the river at Phunki Tenga before a steady climb through rhododendron forest to Tengboche, home to the largest and most famous monastery in the Khumbu region, where an afternoon prayer ceremony is often open to visitors.

Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft), a 5 to 6-hour walk descending through forest before climbing steadily up the Imja Khola valley, with the trees gradually giving way to open, high-altitude terrain. Dingboche is a picturesque farming village surrounded by stone-walled fields, sitting beneath the striking peaks of Ama Dablam and Lhotse.

Spend a second key acclimatization day at Dingboche, with a hike up to Nangkartsang Peak (5,083 m/16,676 ft) and back, taking around 4 to 5 hours round trip. This challenging but rewarding excursion offers sweeping views over the Imja Valley toward Island Peak, Makalu, and the surrounding Himalayan giants, and is an important step in preparing your body for the significantly higher altitudes to come over the following days.

Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft), a 5 to 6-hour walk that climbs steadily alongside the terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, passing a series of memorial cairns dedicated to climbers who have lost their lives attempting Everest and other Himalayan peaks. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and high-altitude, with dramatic views of Nuptse and the surrounding icy peaks accompanying you into Lobuche.

The most iconic day of the trek: trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) and then back to Gorak Shep (5,190 m/17,028 ft), an 8 to 9-hour trekking day. The trail follows the edge of the Khumbu Glacier over rocky, uneven terrain before arriving at the famous Base Camp itself, marked by prayer flags and, in climbing season, colorful expedition tents at the foot of the treacherous Khumbu Icefall. After taking in the emotional highlight of the trip, retrace your steps to Gorak Shep for the night.

Rise well before dawn for the demanding but unforgettable hike up to Kala Patthar (5,555 m/18,225 ft), the highest point of the entire trek and widely considered the finest viewpoint of Mount Everest anywhere in the region, with sunrise light gradually illuminating Everest, Nuptse, and the surrounding summits. After soaking in the views, descend all the way to Pheriche (4,240 m/13,911 ft), a long trekking day of around 7 to 8 hours that brings a welcome return to thicker, more oxygen-rich air.

Trek from Pheriche back to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft), a 7 to 8-hour walk retracing the trail down through Tengboche and Phunki Tenga, with the forest and greenery gradually returning as you descend, and a final chance to enjoy the comforts of Namche's bakeries and lodges.

Trek from Namche Bazaar back to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft), a 7 to 8-hour walk retracing the trail down through Phakding and along the Dudh Koshi River, marking the final trekking day of this unforgettable journey to the foot of the world's highest mountain.

Take your return flight from Lukla to Kathmandu, a scenic 35-minute journey, or fly from Lukla to Manthali/Ramechhap, a 20-minute flight, followed by a same-day drive to Kathmandu by shared tourist vehicle, taking around 5 to 6 hours. Arrive back in the city and check in to your 4-star hotel, with a well-earned hot shower and comfortable bed waiting after an unforgettable two weeks of high-altitude trekking.

Spend your final full day in Nepal exploring Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage, with its ancient temples, historic squares, and bustling streets offering a fitting close to your Himalayan journey. Depending on your interests, this can include visits to notable landmarks such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, or Pashupatinath, or simply wandering the narrow lanes of Thamel. Use the day at your own pace to relax, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the city before departure.

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in good time for your international flight home, ready to begin your journey back with unforgettable memories of Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and the warmth of Sherpa hospitality throughout the Khumbu.

Arrive back in Zurich, bringing your Everest Base Camp Trek adventure to a close, with the memory of standing at the foot of the world's highest mountain staying with you long after the journey ends.