Each trekking morning, after waking up and having breakfast at the teahouse, it’s time to load your daypack and hit the trail. Porters and yaks will carry most of your gear to your next night’s stay, allowing you to trek light and carry only what you need for the day.

Most days, we walk 4 to 6 hours on the trail at a moderate pace, with occasional days of longer stretches. Over the years, we’ve refined our trekking schedule to make the best of our move, rest, and move itinerary. You won’t sleep more than 1,500ft (460m) higher than the night before, with the one exception (Phakding to Namche) occurring at the lower elevations near the beginning of the trek when high altitude issues are less prominent.

After each significant elevation gain, our teams will rest for a day, with a day hike to get the blood flowing and see the surrounding countryside. For many experienced hikers, the mileage and elevation gains each day are moderate, but taking frequent rest days is essential for acclimatization. Plus, you can’t beat the scenery throughout the trek. Relaxing with a hot drink in front of your teahouse while you watch the sunset illuminate the tallest peaks in the world is unforgettable.

Climbing up to Lobuche High Camp on Day 11 of your trek is a fantastic opportunity not available to most Everest Base Camp trekkers. While the trail to high camp isn’t very technical, it rises high above the valley and offers spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Everest, Pokalde, and the entire Khumbu Valley. As you descend from Lobuche High Camp, your trekking team will split from the climbing teams as they will continue climbing to the summit of Lobuche East, while you head to Everest Base Camp.

As the trekking team arrives at Everest Base Camp, you’ll be welcomed by our fantastic staff and tents ready for you to move into. Our itinerary includes two nights and one full day at Everest Base Camp proper, an experience most trekkers will never have. Weather permitting, you will have the option to take part in a beginner-friendly climbing clinic with a spin on some nearby fixed lines and explore the lower edge of the Khumbu Glacier just outside camp. Our chefs will make sure you are well fed throughout your stay.

After twp nights at Everest Base Camp, you will begin your descent down the valley, retracing your steps. You will be surprised by how different the trek down feels: the views will be different, you will feel stronger, and the terrain will feel easier with your new acclimatization. CTSS’s standard return trek takes 3 days, descending to Lukla, stopping in Pheriche and Namche for 1 night each along the way.

Back in Lukla, it’s all about the weather and flight schedules. Most teams can fly out of Lukla without delays, but as always, it is best to acknowledge the possibility of weather-related delays. If you’re looking for something different, our Gokyo Lakes Extension is a fantastic alternative to the standard descent from Everest Base Camp.