There are three established Everest Base Camp trek routes:
1) The Classical Route
2) Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass – 18 Days
3) Everest High Passes Trek – 20 Days
The Classical Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days route is one of the shortest routes beginning from Lukla all the way to Everest Base Camp. This route was used for the very first British Everest Expedition in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Whereas trekking routes to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo is a circle trek which passes through the Gokyo Lakes and then ascending to Chola Pass making way to Lobuche and finally to the base camp. Likewise, the trail way back follows down to the same classical route to Namche Bazaar. Amongst the best routes to Everest Base Camp, the longest as well as a challenging Everest High Passes Trek – 20 Days involves crossing high elevations on the highlands of the Khumbu Valley, namely Renjo-La Pass, Cho-La Pass and Kongma-La Pass. Each one of the established routes to Everest Base Camp has their own specialties, details of which have been clearly specified in the Everest Base Camp Trek itineraries. Besides, our Everest Base Camp Trek Guide provides all the required information that a hiker needs to know. The illustrations below depict a Google map view of all three trekking routes and a close up of the approaches to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest and the scenic viewpoint of Kala Patthar (The Black Rock).
We know that it is a tough task to choose the most suited Everest Base Camp route and it requires an extensive study and some research works to make the right choice. Based on our decades of experience operating thousands of climbs to the Everest Base Camp, below-mentioned is some information, considerations to be taken for the route’s scenery, difficulty, foot traffic, and altitude acclimatization characteristics in a tabulated form.
| Everest Base Camp Routes | Actual Trek Days | Days in Kathmandu | Fitness Level Require | Customer rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp short Trek – 14 Days | 12 | 2 | Demanding | **** |
| Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days | 13 | 3 | Moderate +Demanding | **** |
| Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo(Chola Pass)-18 Days | 15 | 3 | Demanding | *** |
| Everest High pass Trek -20 Days | 17 | 3 | Demanding | ** |
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Highly Recommended:
Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 14 Days
Recommended:
Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass – 18 Days
Think About:
Everest High Passes Trek – 20 Days
NOTE: Everest Base Camp Trek is an ultimate adventure that requires a lot of patience and preparation. One of the decisive factors for an adventurous trip in the Himalayas is your work off period. Generally, North Americans get a 2-week holiday while the Europeans get a 3-week holiday in a year. To choose the longer route to Everest Base Camp, you need a longer time off from work. Comparatively, a lot of preparation is needed as the route follows a rather challenging and off the beaten track and you will barely meet other hikers on this trail. If you are flying from North America, you will need extra 3 days for flight timings. So, almost 80% of the climbers who go to Everest Base Camp take Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 14 Days route. Detailed route descriptions, assessments, and profiles can be found below, along with a map of each of the Everest Base Camp routes.
Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 14 Days
Everest Base Camp Short Trek has been specially designed by Himalayan Glacier Adventure and Travel Company as the shortest version of EBC treks. This version of the trek can be afforded by most climbers even on their busy schedule. It takes hikers to the courtyard of the world-famous Sherpas and fascinating villages of Namche, Khumjung and several others. Most of the world-famous Sherpa climbers, with deep-rooted faith in Buddhism belong to the Khumbu Valley. An exhilarating flight to Lukla, Hillary Suspension Bridge, Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, and Kala Patthar are some of the famed highlights of the trip including the Everest Base Camp itself. Furthermore, we reach Tengboche Monastery which is the highest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal and come close to four of the world’s six tallest peaks: Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, and Cho-Oyu.
Our 14-day Everest Base Camp Short Trek is a great option for travelers who are pressed for time and are expect similar amenities under the cost inclusion section as the 16-day trek. Hikers who are physically fit, in good health, and have a little experience with high altitude walks, can sign up for this trip. But, if you are a novice trekker who is in good health and average physical fitness, and if you wish to enjoy an easier trek, then Everest View Trek – 12 Days might be right for you. For more experienced hikers who wish to take up more challenges and ‘stay off the beaten path’, then Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 18 Days would be an ideal choice.
Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days
On Everest Base Camp Trek-16 days, we experience astounding mountain views, get glimpses of the life of the world-famous Sherpa climbers, enter Sagarmatha National Park and tour high altitude Buddhist monasteries. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp of Nepal also provides us an opportunity to embark on an epic journey that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay set off in 1953. Our Sherpa aide will guide us to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain, Everest on an adventurous trek package that also includes climbing Kala Patthar to admire the panoramic views of Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Nothing beats the thrill and sense of accomplishment that grip hikers on seeing the power and grace of the mighty mountain up close.
The 16-day Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary is designed for beginner trekkers who are in good health with average physical fitness. The ample distance covered between daily itineraries, a steady gain of altitude and separate rest days ensures that we are properly acclimatized to fully enjoy our trek to Everest base camp. But, if you wish to take up a bigger challenge offered by Himalayan Glacier and ‘stay off the beaten path’, then Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 18 Days would be ideal. Another option for experienced trekkers with limited time would be Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 14 Days.
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes & Chola Pass) – 18 Days
Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes, recognized for the series of beautiful turquoise lakes in the Gokyo valley and the famous Cho La Pass, takes us through the landmarks of the Khumbu region in the company of majestically soaring mountains, friendly Sherpas, colorful monasteries, Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, and, of course, to the base of the mighty Everest. The trek in advancing to the base of the world’s tallest mountain maps out spectacular vistas from such celebrated viewpoints like Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar. The trek also awards us with great views of the Khumbu Icefall. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp through Gokyo Lakes, in a nutshell, will be a lifetime experience with the enthralling sights of Mt. Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Tengboche Monastery – the largest monastery in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes’ itinerary is ideal for hikers who wish to take up more challenges and ‘stay off the beaten path’ while treading upon remote Nepalese trails. However, if you are a novice trekker who is in good health and average physical fitness, then Everest Base Camp Trek – 16 Days might be right for you. Additionally, if you are an experienced trekker who wants to trek to the Everest Base Camp, but have a limited amount of time, then you can sign up for Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 14 Days instead.
Everest High Passes Trek – 20 Days
Everest High Passes Trek is an exhilarating adventure in the Himalayas of Nepal that includes trekking on the popular Everest trails while also discovering unique gems of the Khumbu Valley. On our trekking adventure, we cross three high passes in the Everest region – Kongma La Pass (5,535/18,159ft), Cho La Pass (5420m/17,782ft) and Renjo La Pass (5,340m/17,520ft) and set foot on the Everest base camp, climb Kala Patthar and Gokyo Ri, and tour Gokyo Lakes. This route also introduces trekkers to the remote and untouched Nangpa La Valley, the Sherpa village of Marlung and the monastery village of Thame.
Everest High Passes Trek is an ideal choice for a true adventure seeker looking for a challenging trek in the Everest region of Nepal which also involves crossing high mountain passes. If we are looking to undertake a slightly less adventurous trek than this but which includes Gokyo lakes, Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, then Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes – 18 Days would be best.
