Photo: Rajan Dahal / UnsplashNepal
About two weeks of teahouse trekking through Sherpa villages to the foot of the world's highest mountain, at 5,364 m. No climbing skills needed, but altitude and fitness are serious.
The classic route flies into Lukla, then follows the Dudh Koshi valley through Namche Bazaar and Tengboche to Everest Base Camp. Most trekkers also climb Kala Patthar, a 5,644 m viewpoint with the best view of Everest itself.
It's a walk, not a climb, on busy trails with lodges every few hours. What makes it hard is altitude: the route needs rest days, and you should turn back if symptoms get worse.
Day by day
₹42,000–66,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
A dawn flight to Lukla (2,860 m), then an easy 3–4 hour walk to Phakding.
Cross the high suspension bridges of the Dudh Koshi and climb to Namche (3,440 m). Permits are checked at Monjo.
Acclimatise with a hike towards the Everest View Hotel or Khumjung, then sleep low.
Walk to Tengboche monastery (about 3,860 m), with Ama Dablam ahead.
Continue up the Imja valley to Dingboche (4,410 m).
Climb Nangkartshang hill for the view, then rest.
Past the climbers' memorials at Thukla to Lobuche (4,940 m).
On to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), then to base camp (5,364 m) and back.
Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,644 m), then descend to Pheriche.
A long day back down to Namche.
Return to Lukla and reconfirm your flight.
Fly to Kathmandu or Ramechhap, and keep the next day free for delays.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Teahouse room | ₹300–1,000 | ₹1,500–4,000 |
| Food (rises with altitude) | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹2,500–3,500 |
| Guide (your share of the daily rate) | ₹1,000–2,000 | ₹2,000–3,000 |
| Charging, Wi-Fi and hot showers | ₹300–700 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Typical day | ₹3,500–5,500 | ₹6,500–11,500 |
Lukla flights are the biggest single cost and are priced far above other domestic routes, so book a return with flexible dates. Indians pay the SAARC rate for Sagarmatha National Park, about NPR 1,500 (roughly ₹940), plus the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu municipality fee of about NPR 2,000–3,000.
The Sherpa trading town in a horseshoe of peaks, with bakeries and gear shops.
The region's main monastery, on a ridge facing Ama Dablam and Everest.
The best close view of Everest, from 5,644 m at sunrise.
The rubble-covered glacier and icefall beside base camp.
It's unclear. Nepal's 2023 rule requires foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide, the Everest region's local government has allowed solo trekkers, and the rules for Indian citizens aren't spelled out. Confirm with the Nepal Tourism Board before you go.
You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day, mostly uphill, for several days in a row. Training with long hikes and stairs for two months beforehand helps.
October and November give the clearest views. March to May is the second season, warmer but cloudier in the afternoons.
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Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.
