Everest Base Camp Trek Complete Planning Guide Everything you need to know before trekking to the foot of the world's highest mountain: best seasons, permits, itinerary, difficulty, packing and altitude safety. Why Trek to Everest Base Camp? The Everest Base Camp trek is the most famous Himalayan trekking route in the world. Over 12 to 14 days you walk from Lukla through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Base Camp at 5,364 metres, with a sunrise ascent of Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for the classic Everest panorama. Along the way you experience Sherpa culture, ancient monasteries and teahouse hospitality. Best Time to Go The two main trekking seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). Autumn offers the clearest mountain views after the monsoon washes the skies clean; spring brings rhododendron blooms and slightly warmer temperatures. Winter is possible but very cold above 4,000 m, and the summer monsoon brings clouds and flight delays to Lukla. Suggested 12-Day Itinerary Day 1: Fly Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding. Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche. Day 4: Namche to Tengboche. Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche. Day 6: Acclimatization in Dingboche. Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche. Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, afternoon hike to Everest Base Camp. Day 9: Sunrise at Kala Patthar, descend to Pheriche. Days 10-12: Trek back via Namche to Lukla. For a full day-by-day breakdown with distances and elevations, see this detailed Everest base camp trek itinerary. Permits Required You need two permits: the Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit. Both can be arranged in Kathmandu or obtained on the trail; carry your passport and passport-size photos. Difficulty and Fitness The trek is graded moderate to challenging. No technical climbing is involved, but you will walk 5 to 7 hours a day at altitude. Prepare with 2 to 3 months of cardio training, hill walking and stair climbing with a loaded pack. If you want a less crowded alternative with equally spectacular scenery, consider the Annapurna circuit trek, which circles the Annapurna massif via Thorong La pass. Altitude Safety Acute mountain sickness can affect anyone above 2,500 m. Follow the golden rules: ascend slowly, include acclimatization days, stay hydrated, and descend immediately if symptoms worsen. Packing Essentials Four-season sleeping bag, down jacket, waterproof shell, broken-in trekking boots, headlamp, water purification, and a basic first-aid kit. A good trekking operator provides duffel bags and experienced local guides. MyEverestTrip runs small-group departures throughout both trekking seasons.