The trek to Everest Base Camp is the classic Himalayan journey. After a short, dramatic flight to Lukla, the trail follows the Dudh Kosi valley through Sherpa villages, across suspension bridges strung with prayer flags, and up to Namche Bazaar, the busy capital of the Khumbu.
From there the views open up: Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest itself appear from the ridge near Tengboche Monastery. The route climbs past Dingboche and Lobuche to Gorak Shep and the moraine of base camp. Many trekkers also climb Kala Patthar at dawn for the best close-up view of Everest's summit.
Acclimatisation is everything. Build in rest days at Namche and Dingboche, walk slowly, and turn back if symptoms of altitude sickness get worse. You'll need a Sagarmatha National Park permit and the local area permit; flights to Lukla are often delayed by weather, so keep a spare day or two.
