10-Day Everest Base Camp Trek for Nepali Citizens

Day 1: Kathmandu/Ramechhap to Lukla Flight – Trek to Phakding

• Altitude: Lukla (2,840m) → Phakding (2,610m)

• Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours

• Ascent/Descent: Descend approx. 230m

After an early morning flight from Kathmandu or Ramechhap, you arrive at Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. The flight itself is an exciting start, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. From Lukla, the trail gently descends through pine forests and alongside the fast-flowing Dudh Koshi River. You will cross several suspension bridges and pass small Sherpa villages, greeting locals who are busy with daily life. The day’s trek is relatively easy and helps you start your acclimatization slowly. You spend the night in cozy tea houses in Phakding, preparing for the more challenging days ahead.

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Altitude: 2,610m → 3,440m

• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours

• Ascent: Approx. 830m

Today is a longer and more physically demanding day, with a steady climb toward Namche Bazaar, the largest village in the Khumbu region. The trail winds through lush rhododendron and pine forests, passing beautiful waterfalls and several suspension bridges over the roaring Dudh Koshi River. You enter Sagarmatha National Park, a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage site. The final section is a steep uphill climb to Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa trading town bustling with shops, cafes, and lodges. Here, you can explore local markets and prepare for your acclimatization day tomorrow. The breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam greet you as you arrive.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar – Hike to Everest View Hotel and Surroundings

• Altitude: Namche Bazaar (3,440m) → Everest View Hotel (3,880m)

• Trekking time: 4 to 5 hours (round trip)

• Ascent/Descent: Ascend approx. 440m, then descend

This day is vital for acclimatization and gives your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. You take a short trek from Namche Bazaar to the famous Everest View Hotel, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. Along the way, enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning landscapes. You can also visit the local Sherpa museum and interact with friendly villagers to learn more about their culture and lifestyle. After the hike, return to Namche for a restful evening, preparing for the more challenging days ahead.

Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

• Altitude: 3,440m → 3,860m
• Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Ascent/Descent: First descend 300m, then ascend approx. 720m

You start the day with a gentle trail that offers magnificent views of Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. After about 2 hours of walking, the path descends to the Dudh Koshi River at Phunki Tenga (3,250m), where you’ll stop for lunch. After that, a tough uphill section takes you through pine and rhododendron forests all the way to Tengboche. The highlight of this village is the famous Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region. From here, you get an incredible close-up view of Ama Dablam. It’s a peaceful place with great mountain energy.

Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche

• Altitude: 3,860m → 4,410m
• Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Ascent: Approx. 550m

Today’s trail descends through a beautiful forest before crossing a suspension bridge over the Imja Khola River. You pass small Sherpa villages like Pangboche, where you can take a break and enjoy the views. The landscape becomes more open and dry as you ascend further into the alpine zone. You’ll reach Dingboche in the afternoon — a scenic village in a wide valley surrounded by stone-walled potato fields and snow-capped peaks. The air is thinner now, and you’ll feel the altitude more. You’ll stay overnight here, adjusting further before heading to higher ground.

Day 6: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche

• Altitude: 4,410m → 4,910m
• Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
• Ascent: Approx. 500m

Leaving Dingboche, the trail gradually climbs toward Dughla, where you stop for tea or lunch. Then, you face a tough uphill to Thukla Pass (4,830m), where memorials of climbers who lost their lives on Everest are placed. It’s a moving place with a strong emotional feeling. After the pass, you walk along a rocky valley with stunning views of Lobuche Peak and Pumori. You arrive at Lobuche by late afternoon and rest for the night. The altitude gain is significant here, so you’ll walk slowly and stay hydrated.

Day 7: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep – Hike to Everest Base Camp and Back

• Altitude: Lobuche (4,910m) → Gorak Shep (5,140m) → Everest Base Camp (5,364m) → Return to Gorak Shep
• Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours total
• Ascent/Descent: Ascent approx. 450m round trip

This is the most exciting day of the trek! You start early and walk toward Gorak Shep on a rough, glacier moraine trail. After reaching Gorak Shep and dropping your bags, you continue the final stretch to Everest Base Camp. The path is rocky and challenging, but the reward is unforgettable. Standing at Everest Base Camp (5,364m), you’ll see the mighty Khumbu Icefall and be surrounded by massive peaks. After taking photos and celebrating your achievement, you return to Gorak Shep for the night.

Day 8: Early Hike to Kala Patthar – Trek Down to Pheriche

• Altitude: Gorak Shep (5,140m) → Kala Patthar (5,545m) → Pheriche (4,240m)
• Trekking time: 7 to 8 hours
• Ascent/Descent: Ascend 405m to Kala Patthar, then descend over 1,300m

You’ll start very early before sunrise to hike up to Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint of Mount Everest. From the top (5,545m), enjoy the golden sunrise shining on Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, and other peaks. It’s the highest point of your trek and a memory for life. After returning to Gorak Shep for breakfast, you begin the long descent down to Pheriche, a beautiful village located in a windy valley. The air feels thicker and more comfortable as you lose altitude.

Day 9: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

• Altitude: 4,240m → 3,440m
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Descent: Approx. 800m

The trail takes you back through Pangboche and Tengboche, passing through lush forest trails with rhododendron and pine trees. You’ll stop for lunch at Phunki Tenga or Tengboche. After that, continue your descent toward Namche Bazaar, enjoying views of Everest and Ama Dablam one last time. After days of high-altitude trekking, Namche feels very comfortable. You can enjoy a good shower, recharge your phone, or explore the local shops again.

Day 10: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

• Altitude: 3,440m → 2,840m
• Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours
• Descent: Approx. 600m

This is your final trekking day. You retrace your steps through forests, Sherpa villages, and suspension bridges. Though it’s downhill, it can still be hard on the knees, so take your time. Upon reaching Lukla, you’ll celebrate the completion of your Everest Base Camp adventure with your team. It’s your last night in the mountains, and a great time to reflect on your incredible journey.

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

No Special Trekking Permit Required for Nepalis

Unlike foreigners, Nepali citizens do not need TIMS cards or special permits. However, Sagarmatha National Park entry (NPR 100) and local Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee (NPR 100) may still apply in some areas, and it’s best to carry your citizenship card or voter ID for verification.

Trek Preparation & Fitness

Although you are trekking in your own country, the trail is challenging, especially above 3,500m. You must be physically fit. Start basic walking/jogging practice 2–3 weeks in advance. Be ready for 5–8 hours of trekking per day, including steep ascents and descents.

Altitude Sickness Awareness

Even for Nepali trekkers, altitude sickness is common. Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Gorakshep (5,164m) are high-altitude zones. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, walk slowly, and take rest days. Consider carrying Diamox tablets as a precaution.

Right Clothing and Gear

Weather in the Everest region is cold and unpredictable. Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, hat, and good trekking shoes. A small backpack, water bottle, headlamp, and sunglasses are also important. Though you’re Nepali, be well-equipped.

Accommodation & Food

Most tea houses provide simple shared rooms with basic beds and blankets. Food is mostly dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, or Tibetan bread. Prices are lower for Nepali tourists compared to foreigners, but carry some cash (NPR) for the trek.

Network and Charging

Mobile networks (NTC/Ncell) work in some areas like Namche and Tengboche, but higher up they are weak or unavailable. Electricity is limited, and charging devices may cost extra. Bring a power bank.

Emergency Contact and Insurance

While insurance is optional for Nepali trekkers, it’s good to inform family or friends before you go. In case of emergency, helicopter rescue is possible, but costly if not insured. Stay safe and go with a guide if unsure.

Trek Budget

The average cost for Nepali trekkers is around NPR 90,000 to NPR 100,000 for a 10-day package. This includes flights, guide, porter, food, permits, and basic lodging. Prices may vary depending on the season and group size.