How to Trek to Everest Base Camp

To trek to Everest Base Camp, fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and hike for 12 days to manage altitude acclimatization. You must obtain a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit before starting.

1. Secure your permits. You need two main permits: the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit (approx. $20) and the Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit (approx. $30). You can get these in Kathmandu or Lukla, but get them in Kathmandu to save time.
2. Book your Lukla flights. Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla are weather-dependent. Book the earliest flight of the day to avoid afternoon winds. Use a local travel agent to handle rebookings if your flight is canceled due to weather.
3. Acclimatize properly. Never skip the two mandatory acclimatization days in Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,410m). Hike high during the day and sleep low to let your body adjust to decreasing oxygen levels.
4. Hire a guide or porter. While you can trek solo, hiring a local guide is safer for navigation and emergency coordination. A porter will carry up to 15kg of your gear, making the trek significantly more enjoyable.

Do I need to carry all my own gear?

No, you can hire a porter in Lukla or via a trekking agency in Kathmandu. It costs about $20–$25 per day.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always purify your water using tablets, drops, or a filter bottle to avoid giardia or other stomach issues.