Everest Region · Trek Guide
Everything you need to plan the classic EBC trek in 2026 — what it actually costs, how the days break down, when to go, and whether your fitness is enough. Written for first-time trekkers, updated for the coming season.
Most trekkers book a guided package that bundles permits, a guide, porters, teahouse lodging and meals. Prices below are per person, based on a small group of 2–6 people.
| Package type | Typical cost (USD) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget teahouse trek | $1,200–$1,400 | Guide, basic lodging, permits, breakfast & dinner |
| Standard guided trek | $1,500–$1,900 | Guide + porter, better teahouses, all meals, permits |
| Comfort / small group | $2,000–$2,800 | Smaller group, better rooms, some private rooms |
| Private / custom trek | $2,800+ | Fully private guide and porter, flexible pace and dates |
| Luxury / private | $5,000–$8,000+ | Premium lodges where available, private chef or upgraded meals, fully private guide and porter |
On helicopter add-ons: some operators have historically marketed a helicopter return from Base Camp or a heli day-tour as a luxury option. As of January 2025, commercial helicopter flights inside Sagarmatha National Park are restricted to rescue and essential transport only — sightseeing and other commercial flights are banned. If an operator offers a heli add-on within the park, confirm current legality directly before booking; a Kathmandu–Lukla charter flight (outside the restricted zone) is a separate matter and generally unaffected.
Budget honestly: the cheapest package on paper often costs the same once you add the Lukla flight, insurance and tips. Ask any operator for an all-in number before comparing prices.
| Day | Route | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly Kathmandu → Lukla, trek to Phakding | 2,610m |
| 2 | Phakding → Namche Bazaar | 3,440m |
| 3 | Acclimatization day in Namche | 3,440m |
| 4 | Namche → Tengboche | 3,860m |
| 5 | Tengboche → Dingboche | 4,410m |
| 6 | Acclimatization day in Dingboche | 4,410m |
| 7 | Dingboche → Lobuche | 4,940m |
| 8 | Lobuche → Gorak Shep, then Everest Base Camp | 5,364m / 5,180m |
| 9 | Sunrise at Kala Patthar, descend to Pheriche | 5,644m |
| 10–12 | Descend to Namche, then Lukla | — |
| 13 | Fly Lukla → Kathmandu | — |
The two acclimatization days aren't optional rest days — skipping them is the single most common cause of altitude sickness on this route. Any itinerary that compresses this trek into 9–10 days is cutting one of them.
You don't need mountaineering experience, but you do need to walk 5–7 hours a day, most days, at altitude. The trek is graded moderate to hard mainly because of altitude, not technical terrain.
On altitude sickness: mild headache and fatigue above 3,500m are common and usually pass with rest and hydration. Worsening headache, vomiting, confusion or breathlessness at rest are signs to descend immediately and tell your guide — don't push through them.
| Permit | Cost | Arranged by |
|---|---|---|
| Sagarmatha National Park entry | NPR 3,000 (~$22) | Your operator, or in person in Monjo |
| Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality fee | NPR 2,000 (~$15) | Your operator, or in Lukla |
A guide is not legally required for this route as of 2026, but most trekkers go guided for safety, logistics and to support local employment. Rules do change, so confirm current requirements before you book.
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