In the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days, you will trek the classic 130 km route to Everest Base Camp in the Mahalangur Himalayan sub-range. En route, you will savor the tranquil Tengboche Monastery, the wilderness of Sagarmatha National Park, warm hospitality, and Sherpa culture. Finally, you will wind your way up to Kala Patthar at 5,644m to get the best views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days
- Scenic mountain flight next to marvels of the Himalayas with unparalleled views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, and Thamserku.
- Discover a beacon of culture at Tengboche Monastery. Explore the ethnic villages, socialize with locals, and feast on Nepalese cuisine.
- Soaked in the earthly charm of Sagarmatha National Park, enjoy the finest of flora and fauna, including Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, and Indian leopard.
- Be in awe of the sunrise view at Kala Patthar. Relish in the breathtaking scenery encircled by giants of the Himalayas.
The 12-day EBC trek begins with a scenic aerial experience from Kathmandu to Lukla that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time. However, the actual trek kicks off with a hike from Lukla along the Dudh Koshi River and through the picturesque villages.
Prepare to be awe-struck when making your way to Phakding for the views just get better. The next day, you’ll pull up at Namche and acclimatize for two nights before heading off to Tengboche. The journey pays you well with an up-close view of Ama Dablam and Nuptse among many other mountains.
The next day, visit the Tengboche Monastery and leave for Dingboche; your next pit stop in the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days for acclimatization. From here, you’ll make a tedious climb to Lobuche for a peaceful night then move higher up to Gorakshep for lunch.
After a brief respite, you’ll head to Everest Base Camp through the moraines of Khumbu Glacier which go as far as the eye can see. A mesmerizing panorama of Mt Everest will entice you from afar.
Meanwhile, Kala Patthar awaits you with far better views from the highest point reachable on this trek. As you reach the acme, enjoy the morning horizon then detour to Pheriche. Finally, retreat to Lukla via the same route and board another epic mountain flight back to Kathmandu.
Is the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days for Me?
The 12-Day EBC Trek is for everyone who awaits to venture the classic trek route but minds the technical challenges. It rightly blends the thrill of the journey with the comfort of teahouses, offering trekkers the best experience.
Like our all-inclusive trip, the Everest Base Camp Trek 12 Days provides adequate time for acclimatization and rest. The two days at Namche and Dingboche are preset to acclimatize before you hit the trails to base camp.
All the preparations have been made with trekkers' comfort in mind. The itinerary follows a standard route, starting from Lukla and reaching the Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. On the EBC trek, you’ll reach a maximum elevation of 5,644m at Kala Patthar and 5,140m at Gorakshep for an overnight stay.
The travel package incorporates a restful break after every hike to ensure that trekkers are well-prepared for the next leg of the adventure. So, even when everyday trekking involves 6-7 hours of hiking, you’ll have enough time to regain energy. Thus, if you prepare for the base camp well, this will be a rewarding trip with no glitches.
How Is the 12-Day EBC Trek Different from the 14-Day EBC Trek?
The only thing the 12-day plan differs from the 14-day Everest trek is that it misses out on the accommodation in Kathmandu, implying that you take care of it yourself. Other personal expenses and meals during your stay in Kathmandu are also excluded from the package. We advise you to bring extra cash for booking the accommodation of your choice.
Otherwise, the 12-Day EBC Trek is no different from the 14-Day EBC Trek, sharing a common trek route and a well-devised itinerary. Both treks undertake a long journey, led by an experienced guide with extra crew members and porters, ensuring your comfort and safety.
Like the classic 14-day trek, the 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek follows a well-defined route to limit the risk. It even takes the acclimatization and accommodation into consideration, promising a safe and hassle-free trip. The trek also looks after all the required permits, internal flights, and transfers.
If you think that’s too much work then make online reservations. You’ll get a much better deal that way and have total control over your stay with varied options to suit your needs.
Cost for 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Including Guide and Porter
The general cost of a 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek is around USD 1100 to USD 1400. This includes the round-trip flight from Lukla, a mid-range teahouse accommodation, a trekking permit, a porter, and food, among other things.
Individual outlays like high-end lodgings, supplemental charges, and activity costs are excluded from the package fee. Be informed that, the cost doesn’t cover personal spending and indulgence either.
You’re expected to take care of the accommodation before and after the trek. But fear not as there are varied accommodation options available in Kathmandu. You can find anything from budget to luxury five-star in the city center and even farther out.
The travel hub also has a long list of attractions - historic sites, holy shrines, and botanical gardens- welcoming all. You can find some of Nepal’s finest restaurants here to savor the authentic dishes and Newari cuisines.
As you plan your budget, bring a cash equivalent of USD 200 for personal pursuits like shopping, drinks, and snacks. You can also use it to pay for the service rendered such as battery charge, wi-fi, and tips.