Your Everest Budget Trek begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which takes about 30-40 minutes. The flight offers stunning views of the mountains, and as you land in Lukla, you will be greeted by the beautiful Himalayan scenery. After arriving in Lukla, we begin our trek towards Phakding, a village located at 2,610 meters. The trail is relatively gentle, crossing several suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, we reach Phakding, where we’ll spend the night in a local teahouse.
Today’s trek takes us from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town and the gateway to the Everest region. The trail ascends gradually, crossing suspension bridges, passing through forests of pine and rhododendron, and offering stunning views of the mountains. As we approach Namche, the final stretch involves a steep climb. After about 6-7 hours of trekking, we will reach Namche Bazaar, located at 3,440 meters. This vibrant town offers a great opportunity to explore local culture and get your first views of Mount Everest. We will spend the night here.
Acclimatization is crucial at this altitude, and today we take a rest day to allow our bodies to adjust to the elevation. You can take a short hike to nearby viewpoints, such as the Everest View Hotel, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding peaks. Another option is to visit the Sherpa museum in Namche Bazaar to learn more about the culture and history of the region. After our acclimatization activities, we return to Namche for another night.
After a restful acclimatization day, we continue our trek towards Tengboche, a beautiful village known for its famous Tengboche Monastery. The trail takes us through pine forests, with stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The route involves a few ascents and descents, and after about 5-6 hours of trekking, we reach Tengboche. The main attraction here is the Tengboche Monastery, which is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the Khumbu region. We spend the night in a local teahouse and take in the serenity of this peaceful area.
Today, we trek from Tengboche to Dingboche, located at 4,410 meters. The trail takes us through rhododendron forests and across the Imja Khola, with magnificent views of the towering peaks like Ama Dablam. The trek involves a gradual ascent, and after about 5-6 hours, we arrive in Dingboche, a village located in the Imja Valley. Dingboche offers a stunning view of Lhotse and Island Peak. We will rest here overnight, adjusting to the altitude.
Another acclimatization day, today we take a hike to Nagarjuna Hill, which lies at an altitude of 5,100 meters. The hike offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. After a 3-4 hour hike, we return to Dingboche for the night. This extra rest day helps ensure that our bodies are prepared for the higher altitudes we will encounter in the coming days.
After our acclimatization day, we continue our trek to Lobuche, located at 4,940 meters. The trail ascends through the rocky terrain, with expansive views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. After about 5-6 hours, we will arrive in Lobuche, a small village situated at the base of the Khumbu Glacier. This is a popular stop for trekkers on their way to Everest Base Camp, and we will rest here overnight in preparation for our journey to Base Camp.
Today is a big day, as we trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. We first make our way to Gorak Shep, a small settlement at 5,164 meters, where we take a break. From Gorak Shep, it’s a challenging 3-hour trek to Everest Base Camp, located at 5,364 meters. The path is rocky, and the terrain is often icy, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Once we reach Everest Base Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the spectacular views of the Khumbu Icefall and surrounding peaks. After spending some time at Base Camp, we return to Gorak Shep for the night.
This morning, we wake up early for the hike to Kala Patthar, one of the best viewpoints for an up-close view of Mount Everest. At 5,644 meters, the summit of Kala Patthar offers a panoramic view of the Everest region, including Everest itself, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori. After taking in the breathtaking views and snapping some photos, we descend to Gorak Shep and continue our trek to Pheriche, a village located at 4,371 meters. The trek today takes around 8-9 hours.
Today, we begin our descent from Pheriche to Tengboche. The trail is mostly downhill and takes us through alpine forests, past yak pastures, and through traditional Sherpa villages. After 5-6 hours of trekking, we will arrive back at Tengboche, where we can once again visit the famous monastery. This will be a great opportunity to reflect on our journey thus far. we retrace our steps back to Namche Bazaar. The trek takes us down to the Dudh Koshi River and then up to the bustling town of Namche, where we will spend the night. The total trek time for the day is around 8-9 hours. Along the way, we’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains, and as we descend, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. We’ll have time to rest and rejuvenate in Namche.
Today is our final day of trekking, as we make our way back to Lukla. The descent from Namche to Lukla takes around 7-8 hours and follows a similar route we took on our way up. Along the way, we’ll pass through small villages, lush forests, and across suspension bridges. Once we reach Lukla, we’ll celebrate the completion of our trek and relax in a teahouse for the night.
After breakfast, we catch an early flight back to Kathmandu from Lukla. The flight provides one last opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy a celebratory dinner. Your trek to Everest Base Camp has now come to an end, and you’ll have a chance to reflect on the incredible experience.
The Everest Budget Trek offers trekkers the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Everest region without the high cost often associated with treks to Mount Everest Base Camp. This budget-friendly option allows you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Khumbu Valley, see stunning views of the world’s highest peak (Mount Everest), and visit iconic places like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Everest Base Camp while keeping costs to a minimum. While the trek is budget-conscious, you still get to enjoy the authentic Sherpa culture, remote villages, and incredible Himalayan scenery with basic but comfortable accommodations.
The Everest Budget Trek typically lasts 12 to 14 days. The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the starting point of the trek. From there, the trek follows the traditional Everest Base Camp route, passing through picturesque villages, dense forests, and high-altitude terrain. The trek reaches Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters), before descending back to Lukla for the return flight to Kathmandu. The exact duration can vary depending on the pace and acclimatization schedule.
The Everest Budget Trek package includes:
Permits:Sagarmatha National Park Permit and TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System).
Accommodation: Simple, budget-friendly teahouses or lodges along the trekking route.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. Meals will typically include traditional Nepali dishes, with some international options available.
Transportation: A round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and the return flight back to Kathmandu.
Guide and Porter:A licensed guide to lead the trek and ensure your safety, along with a porter to carry your main luggage.
While the package covers these essentials, personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, hot showers, and additional services are not included in the price.
The Everest Budget Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers who are in good physical condition. While it does not require advanced technical climbing skills, the trek involves long days of walking, steep ascents, and high altitudes. The highest point of the trek is Everest Base Camp, at 5,364 meters, and it is important to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. Trekkers should be prepared for the physical challenges of walking for several hours a day, sometimes on uneven terrain, but with proper preparation, it can be completed by most people who are healthy and fit.
The best times to trek to Everest Base Camp are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is usually clear, dry, and relatively warm, making it perfect for trekking. The trails are generally less affected by snow or rain, and the views of Everest and the surrounding peaks are spectacular. Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially at higher altitudes, and some teahouses may be closed. The summer monsoon season (June to August) brings rain, which can make the trails muddy and slippery, hindering the trek.
For the Everest Budget Trek, you will need two important permits:
Sagarmatha National Park Permit: This is required to enter the national park where Everest Base Camp is located.
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Card:This card is used for registration and safety purposes during your trek.
Explore Holiday Treks will handle the process of acquiring all the necessary permits, ensuring that everything is in order before your trek begins.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have a guide and porter for the Everest Budget Trek. A licensed guide will help you navigate the trails, manage your safety, assist with acclimatization, and provide insights into the local culture and region. A porter will carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with only a small daypack. Having both a guide and a porter makes the trek more comfortable and enjoyable, while also ensuring your safety, especially at higher altitudes.
The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which takes about 30-40 minutes. The flight is included in the trek package and is a thrilling experience with scenic views of the Himalayas. Once you land in Lukla, you begin your trek to Phakding, the first overnight stop. The Lukla airport is a popular starting point for treks in the Everest region, and the flight provides a unique start to your adventure.
Accommodation during the Everest Budget Trek is typically in simple teahouses and lodges. These teahouses offer basic, comfortable rooms with twin beds, and most have shared facilities like bathrooms. The rooms are clean and suitable for trekking, providing a place to rest after a long day. While the accommodation is modest, it’s adequate for a budget trek and allows you to meet other trekkers and interact with locals. The teahouses also provide a communal dining area where meals are served, mostly consisting of Nepali food like dal bhat, momo, and some Western options.
The Everest Budget Trek is generally safe, especially when booked with a reputable trekking agency like Explore Holiday Treks. Our experienced guides are trained to handle altitude sickness, emergencies, and other trekking challenges. We prioritize your safety by including acclimatization days in the itinerary to help you adjust to the high altitudes. While the Everest region is a popular trekking area with well-established trails, trekking with a licensed guide ensures you are in good hands and can enjoy the journey with peace of mind.
Yes, if you have extra time, you can extend your trek or add additional activities. For example, you could opt to visit Gokyo Lakes, a stunning high-altitude lake system, or explore the Annapurna Circuit. You can also add a cultural tour of Kathmandu or relax and explore Pokhara. Explore Holiday Treks offers flexible options for customizing your trip to make your adventure even more memorable.
