lukla everest base camp trek distance

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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance, Length and Elevation  

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most popular trek in the Nepal region and one of the most iconic and well-known treks in the world.

After a nerve-racking flight into Lukla airport that is sure to get you pumped up, you will retrace the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay and the countless other brave men and women who have summited Everest after them.

The route takes you through the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park and eventually ends up at Everest Base Camp, where you will feel the buzz and excitement of potential summiteers of the world’s tallest mountain (the main climbing season kicks off in April and culminates in the 3rd or 4th week of May).

Popular questions asked about the Everest Base Camp Trek always seems to follow the similar pattern of ‘how hard?’, ‘how long?’ and ‘how high?’.

This article will cover the raw data behind the trek to answer all those burning question about distance, length and elevation.

To get a better understanding of how challenging the trek is, read our in-depth article on the difficulty of the Everest Base Camp Trek .

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The classic Everest Base Camp trek from Lukla to EBC and back is 130km long – 65km each way – which may sound like a lot of trekking!

Fear not, because the typical round trip to Everest Base Camp takes around 12 days, the actual distance you will be covering each day will be about 15km – a much more reasonable and achievable number.

Furthermore, the average walking pace is about 5km/hour, so 15km per day does not sound too bad anymore.

Obviously, you will not be trekking at that pace because of the rocky terrain, gradual ascent and high altitude gains that have to be made.

The point being made is that the distance is very attainable for all people of all ages, shapes and sizes!

If you book through a tour operator , you will likely have the luxury of having your large bags carried for you by porters or by yak / mules. This should further take the strain off your body and allow you to focus on getting yourself safely up and back down the trail.

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The typical length, in terms of time, of the Everest Base Camp trek is around 12 days. There are variations of standard route, like Jiri to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek , which take longer.

The outward route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is significantly longer, in terms of time, than the return route to allow for proper acclimatization and to minimize the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness and related illnesses.

It should take around 9 days of trekking to reach base camp and just 3 days to return to Lukla.

To get a better idea of the distances and day-by-day break down of the typical Everest Base Camp Trek we have posted a sample itinerary below:

• Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu where you will spend the night.
• Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then walk to Phakding – 9 km (4 hours)
• Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namchee Bazaar – 12 km (6 hours)
• Day 4: Acclimatization day. No walking except maybe a quick hike up to the Everest View Hotel.
• Day 5: Trek from Namchee Bazaar to Tengboche – 10 km (6 hours)
• Day 6: Hike from Tengboche to Dingboche – 12 km (6 hours)
• Day 7: Acclimatization day in Dingboche. Explore the area.
• Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche – 12 km (7 hours)
• Day 9: Hike from Lobuche to Gorak Shep to EBC and back to Gorak Shep – 15 km (8 hours)
• Day 10: Hike from Gorak Shep up Kala Pathar and then to Pheriche – 13 km (7 hours)
• Day 11: Trek from Pheriche back to Namchee Bazaar – 14 km (8 hours)
• Day 12: Hike from Namchee Bazaar to the airstrip at Lukla – 15 km (8 hours)
• Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
• Day 14: Leave Kathmandu

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The most challenging element of the trek is probably elevation . Even at the start of the trek at Lukla airport you will be at an altitude of over 2,600m. As most people’s bodies are not used to these altitudes, the trek involves acclimatization days and the ascent to Everest Base Camp will occur at a much slower pace than the descent to allow for acclimatization and to ensure safety.

Typical elevation gains will be in the range of 400-800m each day. Days when the gain is large and the altitude is significantly high will usually be followed by an acclimatization day that doubles up as time for some sightseeing and exploration of the surrounding areas.

Here is an Everest Base Camp trek elevation and altitude profile for the standard trek.

The highest point on most Everest Base Camp Treks tends to be the Kala Patthar viewing point where you will be blessed with some of the best views of Everest and the nearby peaks. Kala Patthar stands at just over 5500m, but not too much time is spent at that altitude as the trek then descends back down to Pheriche and eventually back to Lukla Airport.

Hopefully these facts and figures have convinced you set out on your own trek to Everest Base Camp – if so, happy trekking!

Tags: Everest Base Camp Trek Distance, How long is the Everest Base Camp Trek? Length of the Everest Base Camp trek, Everest Base Camp trek altitude, Everest Base Camp Trek elevation

Mark Whitman

Hi, I'm Mark! Welcome to EBC Trek Guide - the Web's No.1 Trekking Guide to Everest Base Camp. I have trekked all over Nepal, but the Everest region remains my favourite. I hope you find all the answers you are looking for on this site. If you have any questions don't hesitate to drop a comment below! Happy Trekking!

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Really useful post to reflect the daily walking distance , gain elevation and length of track regarding EBC treks thanks for sharing

Hi Mark, just wondering if Island Peak (in November) is do-able for my son who will be 17 years old. We’re both pretty fit but we don’t have any climbing experience. I did EBC in 2014. Cheers.

Hi Anthony, thanks for getting in touch. It is possible to climb Island Peak in November. The hike to Island Peak usually includes a visit to EBC before to help with acclimatisation. The climb itself is a real challenge and not for the faint-hearted. I would highly recommend doing some winter mountaineering courses before embarking on the adventure. You will need to be comfortable using crampons, crossing a glacier with ladder crevasse sections and ascending a tough headwall with a fixed rope jumar. You can read more about Island Peak here: https://www.mountainiq.com/guides/trekking-in-nepal/routes/island-peak/

Thanks Mark, your info was very helpful = )

Thanks for info. It needs to write per day max hgt of destination

on the clair ridge oil platform we climb 17km per day.8.5 up and 8.5 down….how many times do we climb the equivolent of everest per week ?

Hi Donald, I’m not sure the answer to your question. I would estimate that on the average day on the EBC trek, you gain about 800-1500m in altitude and lose about 400-800m. The average elevation gain is about 400-800m per day. Hope this helps.

Hellow ! My name is Jaak, my friends name is Andras and we are from Estonia. We wish to make a little trek, max 10-11 days for max alt. 5500/5600m and to stay overnight 5000+ meters few nights. It mast be an acclimatization trek, because my friend are going to K2 summit expedition in july. My friend have gone earlier on Mount Everest summit .Could You please think about it and say, is it possible to organize trek like this between 08.05 – 21.05. We do not need a guide service and accomondation can be easy. Thanks in adavance, Jaak and Andras

Hi Jaak, we are not a tour oeprator so unfortunately we cannot help organise your trek. For a tour operator recommendation go here: https://ebctrekguide.com/go

Looking over the Everest Trek itinerary (which is similar to other organized Everest treks), it seems a little ambitious for the uninitiated. What I mean (and I’ve done the trek independently as well as extensive mountain climbing and backpacking in the Cdn. Rockies) is that while each day’s trek is reasonable, the day-after-day grind will wear down some people. I would recommend anyone attempting this pace first do some multi-day backpacking in the mountains to see how he or she reacts to what is a fairly relentless pace. A Stairmaster is a poor substitute. Also, people who’ve not trekked high up (above 12,000 feet) should know that altitude brings new challenges.

I love to try EBC from Lukla

please tell distance between first base camp to everest summit

Hi Murali, the distance from EBC on the south side (Nepal side) to the summit is approx. 20 kilometres. The altitude gain is nearly 3,300 meters though.

Thanks for all the information… Inshalah I will be there on the last August

Hi, I would like to do EBC on my own since having a porter or a guide with me all the time does not work for me. I am wondering how safe it is to hike alone for a female. I am also wondering if getting accommodation can be a problem if you dont book in advance. Finally, is the path well marked. Many thanks!

Hi, it is possible to trek solo and if you go during the high seasons (March-May or September-November) then there will be quite a few people on the trail. Getting accommodation each day should not be a problem but you might not get your pick of teahouses. Generally porters run ahead of trekkers to secure the best teahouses. The standard EBC path is not well marked but maps of the region are very detailed and easy to follow. All the best!

I am Ram and 40 year old i would like to know more about Everest trekking , i would like to do and what is the process

Hi Ram, I recommend browsing our site – it provides all the information you need. Start here: https://ebctrekguide.com/

Why is there so little time spent at EBC?

Hi Laurie, There are a few reasons why the time at EBC is limited. Firstly, trekkers cannot actually get all the way into the camp. The stop point is just before the camp, and there isn’t a huge amount to see. 10-20 minutes there is more than enough. Secondly, EBC is a good two hour hike from the last tea house at Gorak Shep. So to hike there and back means hanging around EBC is not recommended. Finally, the best views of Everest, the surrounding mountains and EBC is from Kala Pattar, which is right next to Gorak Shep and if you move fast can be hiked on the same day that you visit EBC. Hope this helps!

I’m planning to trek solo in December – January. I read is the low season, with probably a lot of snow. You consider this dangerous? Which equipment would you consider? Your info it’s very clear thank you very much!

Hi Mariano, yes, there is more snow in December. As long as you are trekking the standard route to EBC there is no additional danger. If you plan to cross some big passes, like those on the Gokyo route or Three Passes Trek, I would caution against that. Most passes will be closed in December anyway. In terms of gear, here is what you need: https://ebctrekguide.com/everest-base-camp-trek-packing-list

Thank you for sharing all this information in your blog . Very useful information, it opened my eyes to things i wasn’t aware about. Great way to start preparing for next years climb

Thanks Ebby!

Thanks for the info Mark, helps a lot. Planning to do the trek in December. Would appreciate any pointers to make it comfortable as I am told the Climate is extremely cold.

Hey Ismail, yes, December is pretty cold. Make sure to bring a four season sleeping bag and warm winter jacket / gloves / beanie etc. Layers will be important too, check out our packing list for advice: https://ebctrekguide.com/everest-base-camp-trek-packing-list

Hi, we are a family of 4 and interested in doing EBC in July 2019. Wanted to check what the minimum age is. My two sons are 12 and 10 years old and are physically fit. Thanks

Hi Jeet, there is no official minimum age for the EBC trek, although I wouldn’t take a child younger than 10. In terms of timings I would avoid July – this is the middle of the monsoon season and a terrible time to trek. The best time to go is either Feb-May or Sept-November. Hope this helps.

My other is a smoker and we would like to trek to EBC. Please give her some words of wisdom from your experience with smoking trekkers.

Hi William, words of wisdom… stop smoking. No in all seriousness, one can trek to EBC and smoke but I wouldn’t recommend it. If at all possible, I would encourage your ‘other’ to abstain from smoking, especially on the upper reaches of the trek.

Hello we are 3 friends and want to do EBC, want to know the formalities. Preferable date is 23rd march

We are planning to trekk to Everest base camp in next month . What is your advice for me

Hey, little mistakes on the altitude, Lukla is 2850m and the Kala Patthar is 5643m. 😉 btw I recommend to not hire any porter, that’s too easy with them and you won’t have the same satisfaction. I did it by myself without help and I was so proud to carry my bag in front of all this groups of tired people (but with no bags 😉 ) you’re going for a challenge or not ?

can you hire poter and guide at lukla. how is the chance if you trek to phaking and try to get a tea house without prior booking

Yes it is possible to hire a guide / porter in Lukla. If you ask at one of the many teahouses they should be able to assist. In terms of teahouse availability, this varies by season and time you arrive. Ideally it is best to send a porter ahead early in the day to make a booking for you, but generally if you arrive at a reasonable time it is usually possible to find a free room in one of the teahouses.

Great informative stuff, I’m Planning on 4 old guys 60 +62 to EBC In Nov 2020 Let you know how it goes

can I see everest from namchee bazaar?

Technically you need to hike up to the Everest View Hotel which is just above Namche. But it is only a 20 minute walk away so yes you can.

Is it possible to take a helicopter from Lukla to EBC and then hike back to Lukla with a group? I have taken a bus to EBC and that would be an option too. We would be staying the week before at a 10,000' elevation to help with acclimatization. Thanks,. Tom

Hi Thomas, it is possible to get a helicopter to EBC, but it’s pretty expensive and due to the high altitude weight is usually limited to one passenger (maybe two).

How far from base camp 4 to the peak and back?

Hi Albert, just to be clear this website is about hiking to Everest Base Camp, not climbing Mount Everest. But to answer your question, Camp 4 is on Everest is located on the South Col at just over 8000m. It’s about 1-mile climb to the summit and takes about 7-8 hours.

All of these guides have been so helpful! I leave for EBC in a week and have been panic googling to try to be as prepared as possible. Thank you for the info!

Sure thing Megan!

Hi! What clothing do you recommend for doing the EBC trek first couple weeks of November? Thanks!! Great article

Hi Jackie, I recommend checking out this packing list: https://ebctrekguide.com/everest-base-camp-trek-packing-list

very informative mark thank you. i will be doing this in october 2023

Thanks Tony!

Hi Mark, is there scope to buy all the kit you need in Kathmandu as I’m traveling light at the moment. Im in the far east in shorts and flip flops and my gear is back in the uk. If so how much would I be looking at?

Yes, there are loads of gear stores in Thamel.

Very informative, intresting and nicely articulated! Loved it.

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Everest Base Camp Trek with Daily Hiking Distance in Km/ Miles

• Trip Overview

Everest base camp trek is the hiking trip to the base of the world’s highest mountain ‘Mount Everest’. Mount Everest is so massive that the local people call it Sagarmatha, meaning Mother of the Universe. Kalapathar at an altitude of 5643 meters is near Everest Base Camp and is the best viewpoint for a 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, and other peaks.

Everest Base Camp Trek certainly provides every hiker with the best trekking experience of his/ her lifetime. The major highlight of this epic trek is the magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, Island Peak, Thamserku, and mighty of peaks.

Everest Base Camp Trek begins with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Lukla is the starting point and also the gateway of EBC Trek. From Lukla, you trek to Phakding and continue ahead to reach Namche Bazaar. You will rest at the Namche Bazaar, which is the trade center in the Everest region.

From Namche, the trail goes through beautiful forests of pines and rhododendrons to take you to Tengboche. At Tengboche, the Tengboche Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region, which is located on the lap of Mt. Ama Dablam is another important alluring site. The monastery reflects Tibetan Buddhist art and artifacts.

You will then trek towards Everest Base Camp and ascend to the famous Kala Pathar from where you get panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8,848 m) and other surrounding peaks. It’s a good hike to Kala Pathar to test your endurance level. When you reach the top of Kala Patthar, you will find yourself in the most spectacular place ever imaginable. You will be standing in between the almighty mountains that rise above eight thousand meters and will be celebrating their splendor. The awe-inspiring views of the beautiful mountains swaddled in the glittering white snow take you to a place beyond your imagination.

After climbing Kalapathar, you retrace your journey towards Lukla staying a night at Pheriche and Namche Bazaar. Then with the flight you back to Kathmandu.

The major highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek are as below:

• Scenic flight to Lukla (Tenzing Hillary Airport) • Explore Namche Bazaar, the trade center of the Everest region and also the gateway to Everest Base Camp • Visit Tengboche Monastery, the largest in the Khumbu region • Trek through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Hike Kala Pathar to enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Everest and the nearby snowcapped peaks from Kala Patthar • Visit Everest Base Camp, the foothill of Mount Everest • Pass-through Sherpa villages on the route • Experience Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle

Itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek with Distance

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK OFFERS: Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is offering Everest Base Camp Trek at USD 1190 Per Person . Please email to  [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181 for booking and further information. Go with the Local Authentic Company of Nepal .

Updated News please read: From 1st Oct 2022, according to the instruction of Civil Aviation of Nepal, the Lukla Flights are departing from and to Ramechhap Airport instead of Kathmandu due to ongoing upgrades at Kathmandu Airport & also heavy air traffic. It’s around a 4-hour drive to Ramechhap from Kathmandu. So, to catch the Lukla flight, you need to wake up very early morning and at 1:30 am should take a drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport. In the same way from Ramechhap Airport to Kathmandu by drive-in sharing. The return drive at the end of the trek is around 6 hours depending on traffic.

Note: The distance may be different according to the various navigation devices. The walking hours mentioned above may also be different according to the pace of trekkers.

When to go for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp Trek is possible any time and month of the year. The below months have traditionally been used as a guide for preferred times of the year to visit Everest Base Camp.

October-November-till mid-December: This is Nepal’s peak and best time to go trekking. March-April-May: This is the end of the dry season and is also the best time to go trekking. After mid of mid-December to February: The skies are clear but it can get very cold. June-July-August: This is monsoon season and the least popular time to go trekking in Nepal. September: The post-monsoon effect may disturb the views of the Himalayas and Lukla flights.

Are you searching for a recommended Everest Base Camp Trek operator?

Many companies promote the Everest Base Camp Trek package. Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition is different from others because it is based in Nepal and managed by Nepalese tourism experts, experienced local guides, and sherpas.  This company is the direct operator of Everest Base Camp Trek, not the middle travel agency . This company is also recommended in Trip Advisor. If you are planning to Everest Base Camp Trek, for any information about this trek, you can freely contact this company by email at [email protected] or WhatsApp at +977 9851203181.

What things are required to pack for Everest Base Camp Trek?

This is a basic checklist of the essential items that you should not forget to bring with you during your Everest Base Camp Trek:

• A sturdy pair of trekking boots with good ankle support • Rucksack or daypack (50 to 65 liters) with waterproof cover • Trekking pants and waterproof trousers • T-shirts or shirts • Down jacket* • Wind/ waterproof light jacket • Fleece jumper or jacket • Inner Thermal (top and trousers) • 4 to 6 pairs of Socks and underwear • Sunglasses, sun hat, woolen cap, or balaclava • Inner and outer gloves • Headlamp, power bank, and extra batteries • Sun protection cream, lip balm, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer • Towel, flip-flop or rubber sandal, toiletries • One-litre water bottle and water purification tablets • 4 Season sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); * • Hiking poles, if you need • Your daily medicine if any, small personal first aid kit, aspirin, plasters (band-aids), anti-diarrhea pills, anti-headache pills, cough or cold medicine, anti-altitude sickness pills (Diamox or Acetazolamide), etc. • A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables

*Down jacket and sleeping bag you can rent/hire from Trekking gear shops in Kathmandu.

The above list is essential for your trekking. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg or 33 pounds. Remember that your luggage will be carried by a porter if you choose a package that includes a porter. Even if you have a porter you are required to carry a small day-pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you to pack only what is necessary.

Why acclimatization days are in the above itinerary?

Acclimatization is really important if you are doing long and high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp Trek. Each day you will take yourself up to a high altitude thus it is really important to maintain your body’s oxygen level by acclimatizing yourself before gaining high on the next day. Lack of Acclimatization may cause mountain sickness. Thus, in the above itinerary, 2 days are for acclimatization purposes. One day in Namche Bazaar and the next acclimatization day in Dingboche.

How does altitude variation in Everest Base Camp Trek?

EBC Trek starts from the elevation of 2804 meters/ 9199 feet at Lukla. Every day you will receive elevation in the range of 400 meters to 800 meters. As most people’s bodies are not used to these elevations, the trek includes acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to ensure your safety. The highest altitude of the entire EBC trekking is Kala Patthar, near Everest Base Camp. Its height is 5555 meters/18225 feet. Kala Patthar is the best viewpoint for Mount Everest and its surrounding magnificent peaks.

Why do people choose Excellent Himalaya Trek for Everest Base Camp Trek?

Excellent Himalaya Trek and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is a leading organizer and also one of the best Everest Base Camp Trek companies in terms of reviews of many trekkers, services, and success rates.  This company is run by local tourism experts and Sherpas who have more than eighteen years of experience. Further, we are also authorized by the Tourism Ministry of the Nepal Government, for organizing Everest Base Camp Trek for all people from around the world.

Our salient features are as below by which all the people trust us as the best operator of Everest Base Camp Trek:

Run by Local Experts:  As a local travel operator, we know well about the route of Everest Base Camp Trek and its surroundings. We know the best way of trekking to Everest Base Camp here and get you the same way.

Trustworthy: We are a trustworthy Trekking Company for Everest Base Camp in the sense that we are operating all Everest Base Camp Trek based on reality, integrity, and honesty.

Focus on your needs: We highly value all trekkers and are responsive to their needs and preferences. Our Everest Base Camp Trekking packages are customizable according to their interest and plan.

Good Value for money: We provide the value of what you are buying of our services at least equal to the amount you are paying. Our price is always competitive and does not have any middle or hidden fees.

Real Cared Services: Our one travel consultant or our local trekking guide keeps in touch with our clients every time. We make sure their protection is guaranteed so that they will have peace of mind while trekking to Everest Base Camp with us

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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

Everest base camp trek is the most popular trek in Nepal. It is one of the most desired and well-known trekking destination not only for Nepal but for the whole world. It is the most iconic trek you can do in Nepal. The Everest base camp trek distance might seem long. This distance depends on the route you take on the trek to the base camp.

During your hike to Everest base camp, you will conventionally cover about 130 km on average. Everest base camp trek distance might differ according to your itinerary. Through your hike, you will witness a variety of landscapes and breathtaking views of the mountains. You will be near the mountains like never before.

Everest base camp lies on the border of China and Nepal. The camps on both sides are permanent and trekking is possible from both sides. Although the base camps are constructed as a place of acclimatization before climbing up, trekking up to the base camp has been a major attraction. In this article, we will talk about the Everest base camp trek distance from the northern side i.e in Nepal.

Getting to the Everest Base Camp requires a minimum of 2 weeks. There might be a few days added according to your itinerary, weather or other circumstances. The hiking trail is moderate and requires efficient planning and execution.

Related Treks:

• Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek
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Day to Day Distance Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

Lukla to phakding/monjo distance (day 01).

Phakding Distance : 8 km

Mojno Distance : 13 km

Walking Hours: 3-6 hrs

Max Elevation: 2,610 m

The destination for the first day is usually up to Phakding or Monjo. You need to arrive Lukla via flight between 7 am to 9 am, to hike up to the desired destination in a relaxed manner. The hike’s duration is about 3 to 5 hours . You will need to walk a few kilometers more or less depending on your final destination for the day; Phakding or Monjo.

The hike to Monjo is about 13km and the hike to Phakding is about 8 km. If your destination is Monjo, you will have to reach Phakding for lunch and continue the ascend. Make sure you are properly hydrated during your trek and do not rush or trek after sunset.

Phakding to Namche Distance (Day 2)

Distance : 8 km

Walking Hours: 4-5 hrs

Max Elevation: 3340 m

For day 2, you will gradually more towards Sagarmatha National Park. It is the official entrance to the most-awaited Everest base camp. The hike for day 2 is regarded as comparatively difficult. For the first part of your hike, you will cross a lot of narrow yet famous suspension bridges constructed in the steep mountains.

There is a lot of uphill treks on the first part. In the second half of the trek on this day, you will continue downhill to a flat route for some time. You have to walk about 8kms from Phakding to reach to the famous Sherpa Village- Namche. This small village is at an altitude of 3340 m and usually requires about 4-5 hours trek from Phakding to reach here.

Stay in Namche ( Day 3)

Distance : 1 km

Walking Hours : 1-2 hours Max Elevation : 3340m

For the third day of the trek is a day off from hiking. You will stay in Namche Bazaar to acclimatize yourself for higher altitudes. During the day you can stroll around the small village and buy necessary things for your ascend. You can also rent gear if you have forgotten any. Another important place to visit in this area is Namche Museum. It is about 1 to 2 hours hike back and forth from the main bazaar and offers a breathtaking view of the Mountain Everest and the surrounding peaks. You have enough time during the day to rest, hydrate and rejuvenate. The total distance you will walk to get to the museum is 1 km on average . The total distance you travel in the day will vary according to what you do in Namche Bazaar.

Namche to Tengboche Distance (Day 4)

Distance : 12km Walking Hours : 5 hours Max Elevation : 3900m

For the fourth day , the difficult treks start. It is one of the important acclimatization treks. You will have to hike a quite steep train behind Namche Bazaar. You will most likely experience a lack of oxygen. Many of you will only experience a headache but some might get severe symptoms like vomiting or fainting. It is therefore advised to take the necessary medication before the trek starts. On this trek, you will cross Shangbouche Airport and Shanbouche hill reach Tengboche for the night. The total distance you will travel today is about 12 km and will need to trek for about 5 hours to cover this distance. Most of the trail is ascending, which might be tiring, Therefore, carry enough water and food for the way. This place is at an altitude of about 3900m. If you reach the destination on time, make sure you visit the Tengboche Monastery.

Tengboche to Dingboche Distance (Day 5)

Distance : 12km Walking Hours : 5-6 hours Max Elevation : 4400m

On the fifth day of the hike to Everest base camp , you will trek from Tengboche to Dingboche. The starting of the trek is downhill which gradually continues to a varied uphill and down the hill. You will reach Pangbouche for lunch. This usually takes about 2 to 3 hours . The trek from Pangbouche is a gradual uphill towards an Island peak. You will reach an altitude of 4400m when you reach Dingboche. The total distance you have to walk is about 12kms and requires about 5 hours on average to reach the final destination from Tengboche. As you reach Dingboche, you will reward yourself with splendid views of the mountains like lotse, Amadablam, and Taboche.

Acclimatization Day in Dingboche (Day 6)

Distance : 2kms Walking Hours : 1 hour Max Elevation : 4400m

The sixth day of the hike is another important acclimatization day. It is important your you stay in this height and prepare your body for higher altitude. There will not be a lot of tiring activities listed for today. The distance we will travel on this day is about 500m, where you will reach a high point. It is important for the acclimatization process as well as for observing the mountains. The stop at the high point is about 30 mins. You will reach Dingboche for lunch. The total distance you will travel is 2 km. You will have a lot of time to relax and prepare yourself for the higher altitude on this day.

Dingboche to Lobuche Distance (Day 7)

Distance : 12kms Walking hours : 5 hours Max Elevation : 4900m

The destination for the sixth day is to reach Lobuche. This place is at an altitude of 4900m . From Dingboche, the trail heads towards the Khumbu valley and to the exotic valley of Dugla. Douglas will be our destination for lunch and a long resting spot. It usually requires about 2 hours to get here. After this, you will have to walk for about 3 more hours crossing Thukla pass to the Everest memorial before reaching Lobuche. The total distance you will cover today is about 12kms and the total time required is about 5 hours with plenty of stops on the way.

Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp Distance ( Day 8)

Distance : 10kms Walking Hours: 7 hours Max elevation: 5180m

For the eighth day of the trek, you will trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep. The trail leading to Gorak Shep is extremely beautiful and unique. You will cross a lot of Glaciers on the way. The trail to Gorak Shep usually requires about 3 hours on averag e. Once you reach the destination, you will have lunch and catch a breath for a short time before trekking up to Everest Base Camp, the most awaited place. It requires an additional 2-3 hours to reach the Everest Base Camp. After enjoying the base camp, we will need to return to Gorak Shep to spend the night. The total distance you will have to travel about 10 km at an altitude of roughly 5180m . It is a long trek and might be quite challenging.

Gorak Shep to Kalapatthar and to Dingboche Distance (Day 9)

Distance: 18 km Walking Hours: 7 hours Max Elevation: 5180m

On the ninth day of the hike, if you are ready, we will start descending back. From Gorak Shep, we will leave early in the morning to Kala Pattar to see the sunrise from Everest and observe panoramic views of the mountains. Although the trek is about 3 hours uphill, it is completely worth it. We will return to Gorak Shep and trek back to Dingboche for the night. It takes about 7 hours on total to complete this hike. You will walk for about 18kms today. As you are descending, it will not be as challenging as you experienced on other days.

Dingboche to Namche Bazaar Distance (Day 10)

Distance : 22 km Walking Hours: 8-9 hours Max elevation: 4400m

For today’s trek, you need to cover about 22 km . The goal is to reach Namche Bazaar. You can cover the ground quickly as you head downhill and therefore covering this distance s possible. It will take approximately 8 to 9 hours to hike back to the Sherpa village. As you get to Namche Bazaar, you will have a lot of variety of food available for you. You can buy necessary items like souvenirs and gifts from the shops here.

Namche Bazaar to Lukla Distance ( Day 11)

Distance : 21 km Walking Hours : 8 hours Max Elevation : 3340m

This is the last day of long-distance walking. It is usually the hardest day of the trek as your body will tire itself from the continuous trek to Everest base camp. You will descend to Lukla from Namche Bazaar. The total distance you have to travel is about 21km and can take up to 8 hours.

Lukla to Kathmandu (Day 12)

Distance : few hundred meters Walking Hours : 0.15 hours Max Elevation : 2860m Flight distance : 136 km Flight time : 35 minutes

Today is the last day for you in Everest region . You will fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla airport. As you are staying in Lukla, you will need to walk for about 15 minutes on average to reach the airport.

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Distance Might Differ if you Take Alternative Route

Ebc and gokyo lakes trek – 16 days.

Everest Base Camp trek distance as well as duration increases if you decide to visit Gokyo lake as well. It is a strenuous trail that goes through the Cho La pass. While descending from Gorak Shep, you will descend to Dzongla via Kala Patthar. Dzongla is at an altitude of 4830 m and this trek requires about 6-7 hours. The distance from Gorak Shep to Kalapathar is about 1.5 km and the distance from Gorak Shep to Dzongla is about 10 km.

After a night in Dzongla, we will trek to Cho La Pass and to Gokyo Ri. This hike takes about 8 hours. The total distance you have to trek is about 12.5 km more than standard EBC trail. After spending the night in Gokyo, you will reach Lukla after three days.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Island Peak Climbing – 20 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek along with Island Peak Climbing is a trip in which you will get to climb one of the most beautiful peaks in the wild Himalayas. This peak is 6189m high and is situated in Imji valley.

For this trek, while descending back from Everest you will go trek to Chukung from Dingboche and spend the night there. This place is at an altitude of 4750m and takes about 2-3 hours. It is about 5 km far from Dingboche.

The next day you will trek from Chukung to the Island base camp. This base camp is at 5080m above sea level and takes about 6 hours to get there. On average you have to walk about 5km but it the route is strenuous uphill. The next day is the day you climb the Island Peak and will return back to Chukung. Then in approximately 3 days of continuous hiking, you will reach Lukla Airport through Deboche and Namche.

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek – 21 Days

Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is a lengthy but moderately difficult trek for people who want to explore the Himalayan region properly. It is a challenging trek designed for physically fit people. This is an alternative route to the famous Everest base camp trek from Lukla.

For this route, your trek begins from Jiri. Jiri is about 8 hours drive from the capital city. From Jiri you will trek for about 5 hours and reach Sete village. On the sixth day from Jiri you will reach Phakding via Junbesi, Nunthala, Khari Khola and Surkhe. The total distance you have to walk via this route for about 185km .

Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return – 9 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek via helicopter is a trek for people who aim to complete the trip in a comparative luxury or for people who have a short time to visit. In this trek, you will fly back via helicopter and therefore only have to trek your way up to the base camp. You will need about a week to walk from Lukla to Everest base camp. The average distance for this trek is about 60 km .

Everest Three Pass Trek – 18 Days

Everest three pass trek is one of the most challenging and most unique experience one can ever gather in the Khumbu region. You have to pass through three high altitude passes – Kongma (5535m), Cho La (5420m) and Renjo La ( 5360m). The beginning of the trek is just like the famous base camp trek. On your way to Everest base camp, you will have crossed the Kongma pass to reach Lobuche.

While descending you will take trek to Gokyo ri and walk through the Cho La Pass. The last pass, the Renjo pass, is crossed while walking towards Namche from Gokyo Ri. After walking about 60km from Lukla, you can reach the Everest Base Camp. If you aim to walk these three high passes, you will need to walk about 50km more .

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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

Ever wondered about the distances that shape the Everest Base Camp trek? Our blog unravels the mystery, offering a step-by-step breakdown of the path to Everest's doorstep.

The Everest Base Camp trek is a remarkable adventure that offers a rare opportunity to explore the heart of the Himalayas.

Likely due to its monumental reputation, a commonly posed inquiry among enthusiasts bidding to make it to EBC revolves around the distance and duration of the trek.

As trekkers traverse the same paths once treaded by predecessors on their journey to the summit , they run across elaborate landscapes and ingrained cultural sentiments that defy expectations.

How long is the trek to Everest Base Camp?

Covering approximately 130 kilometers or 80 miles from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp and back, the EBC trek experiences a substantial altitude gain along the 14-day trek, its elevations emphasized both as a challenge and thrill.

Commencing with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla , which sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead, the trail unfolds with stops at captivating destinations such as Namche Bazaar, Phakding, Tengboche, Gorakshep, Dingboche and many more.

Throughout these destinations trekkers are treated to a visual feast of beautiful mountains, diverse vegetation and landscapes that shift with each step.

Beyond the physical adventure and natural beauty, the EBC trek is also a cultural pilgrimage. The rich tapestry of Sherpa heritage, their unique traditions and the Himalayan way of life encourages a deeper connection between the locals and the trekkers.

The Everest Base Camp trekking is an experience etched in the memory of those fortunate enough to have walked the magnificent trail.

Among various highlights, the pinnacle of the trek unfolds at the arrival at EBC, surrounded by towering peaks and the awe-inspiring Khumbu icefall, it is a moment of triumph and profound serenity.

Overview of the daily distances on the Everest base camp trek

Below is a tabulated outline of the distances between various locations along the Everest Base Camp trail, alongside the corresponding duration required to reach each destination:

Day 2: Lukla to Phakding (3 to 4 hours, 8.2 Km)

The trek officially begins after a scenic flight that lands at Lukla (2,840m) from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

Trekkers begin with a gentle descent to Chheplung from Lukla accompanied by the Dudhkoshi river to their left. Along the way, the captivating sight of Mount Kusum Kanguru (6,367m) unfolds at Thado Koshigaon, further leading to Ghat.

Unlike the initial portion of the trail, the concluding stretch from Ghat presents a gentle ascent, culminating at an altitude of 2,610m at Phakding.

Covering 8.2 kilometers, the trek from Lukla to Phakding is an approximately three-hour expedition through various suspension bridges and picturesque sherpa villages.

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (6 to 7 hours, 12 Km)

On the 3rd day of the trek, through a slightly undulating trail, trekkers eventually get from Phakding to Monjo.

The path continues along the Dudhkoshi river and sets through a series of suspension bridges, and charming little villages to get to Bengkar where the majestic Thamserku (6,608m) looms into view.

From Bengkar, the trail descends bringing trekkers to Jorsale while the trail identically fluctuates until the Hillary Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary himself, also the last suspension bridge of the day.

The 12-kilometer trek concludes after a steady 2.5-hour ascension to reach the bustling Sherpa town Namche Bazaar .

Day 4: Namche Bazaar acclimatization (4 to 5 hours, 5.4 Km)

The acclimatization trek begins with an ascension to Everest Viewpoint followed by the picturesque village of Syangboche, renowned among trekkers for its captivating views.

Further, trekkers navigate a dominantly flat trail to get to Hotel Everest View (3,880m).

Boasting awe-inspiring vistas of peaks like Mount Everest (8,849m) , Lhotse (8,516m) , Nuptse (7,861m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m), Hotel Everest View is another popular viewpoint in the Khumbu region.

Ending with a descent from Hotel Everest View back to Namche Bazaar, the journey accumulates to roughly 4 hours and covers 5.4 kilometers.

Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (5 to 6 hours, 10.5 Km)

The journey from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche commences with a trek to Kenjoma along its well-made, leveled yet undulating path.

Following a gentle descent from Kenjoma trekkers reach Phunke Tenga where the breathtaking sights of majestic mountains like Kangtega (6,782m) and Thamserku (6,608m) unfold before them.

It is upon arrival at Tengboche that trekkers are rewarded with an even more intimate perspective of the surrounding mountains, enhancing the surreal beauty of the landscape.

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (6 to 7 hours 11.5 Km)

On the 6th day of the trek, the journey from Tengboche (3,860m) to Dingboche (4,410m) spans 11.5 kilometers and takes approximately six hours to complete.

The trail beginning from Tengboche to Deboche is a gentle descent leading to Pangboche where trekkers are required to navigate a few suspension bridges.

Pangboche a typical farm village, is renowned for cultivation in the area. Here, trekkers can also spot various massive mountains up-close.

Following a mild ascent while crossing the tree line, the final stretch where trees are still visible, trekkers reach Somare.

The final walk from Somare to Dingboche rewards trekkers with a closer view of mountains like Ama Dablam (6,812m), Nuptse (7,861m) and Lhotse (8,516m).

Further at Dingboche, you can also see mountains like Peak 38 (7,590m), Island Peak, Mount Chiumo (6,890m), and Ama Lapcha.

Day 7: Dingboche Acclimatization (5 to 6 hours, 5.1 Km)

Dingboche serves a pivotal role as an acclimatization point following Namche Bazaar. The trek begins with a demanding uphill ascent to reach the summit of Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m) .

From the peak, trekkers can catch a panoramic view of mountains like Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Peak 38 (7,590m), Makalu (8,481m), Kusum Kanguru (6,367), and Baruntse (7,163m) gracefully surrounding the peak.

The acclimatization journey concludes as trekkers make their way back to Dingboche after having covered a total distance of 5.1 kilometers.

Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (5 to 6 hours, 8 Km)

On the 8th day, trekkers set out for Lobuche (4,910m), embarking on a roughly 5-hour long journey covering approximately 8 kilometers.

The path from Dingboche to Thukla involves a gentle ascent, offering trekkers glimpses of several mountains including the flanks of Cho La, Taboche (6,495m), and Cholatse (6,440m).

Ascending through the Khumbu Khola valley, the trail gradually leads to Thukla and continues upward until Thukla Pass.

Beyond the Thukla pass, the terrain transforms into a more rugged and barren landscape as trekkers approach Lobuche.

Lobuche further welcomes trekkers with captivating views of various mountains like Nuptse (7,861m) Changri (6,027m), Pumori (7,161m), and Lho La (6,006m).

Day 9: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep (8 to 9 hours, 11.7 Km)

On the 9 th day trekkers journey towards Gorakshep (5,190m), beginning with a smooth ascent the concluding section of the trek is fluctuating and rocky.

The trek from Gorakshep to the Everest Base Camp is also a similarly undulating terrain, with frequent ascents and descents.

Upon reaching Everest base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with intimate views of the majestic Himalayan peaks.

Day 10: Hike to Kala Pathhar and descent to Pheriche (8 to 9 hours, 15.2 Km)

The ascent to Kala Pathhar (5,555m) from Gorakshep is an entirely uphill trek through steep, challenging terrain.

Upon reaching Kala Pathhar trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of prominent mountains like Pumori, Lingtren (6,749m), Lho La, Mount Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam, Kangtega (6,782m), Thamserku, Taboche, and Changri.

Descending back to Pheriche, trekkers retrace their steps through the same route used at the time of ascension, passing through Lobuche and Thukla Pass.

It is after Thukla Pass that trekkers diverge towards Periche, concluding their trek for the day.

Day 11: Periche to Namche Bazaar (7 to 8 hours, 19.5 Km)

The descent from Periche to Namche Bazaar constitutes the longest trek of the journey, encompassing a total distance of roughly 19.5 kilometers to be covered in approximately seven hours.

Trekkers retrace their steps through familiar landmarks with a beginning descent from Somare and gradually progress through Pangboche, Deboche, and Tengboche.

Only experiencing a significant descent at Phunke Tenga, trekkers ascend to Kenjoma and finally reach Namche Bazaar following a flat steady terrain.

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (8 to 9 hours, 20 Km)

Namche Bazaar to Lukla marks the official conclusion of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Offering trekkers another opportunity to revisit familiar paths, this trek too retraces the trail taken at ascension.

Beginning from the descent to the Hillary Bridge, trekkers follow a fluctuating but steady trail through Jorsale, Monjo, Phakding and Chheplung.

Upon reaching Chheplung trekkers make a gentle ascent for a few meters to arrive at Lukla, the very destination where the trek concludes.

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• Mardi Himal Trek – 10 Days
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 13 Days
• Himalayan Highlights – 13 Days
• Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit – 18 Days
• Annapurna Circuit Trek – 19 Days
• Tilicho Lake Trek With Thorong La Pass – 19 Days
• Khopra Danda Trek – 11 Days
• Shivapuri-Chisapani Trek – 4 Days
• Upper Mustang Trek (Drive & Trek) – 16 Days
• Tsum Valley Trek – 16 Days
• Manaslu Circuit Trek – 15 Days
• Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek – 21 Days
• Upper Dolpo Trek – 25 Days
• Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 29 Days
• Yala Peak Climbing – 13 Days
• Island Peak Climbing – 15 Days
• Mera Peak Climbing – 19 Days
• Everest Base Camp and Lobuche East – 18 Days
• Tent Peak Climbing with Annapurna Base Camp – 18 Days
• Pisang Peak and Thorung La Pass – 21 Days
• Ama Dablam Expedition – 29 Days
• Kathmandu Cultural Heritage Tour – 3 Days
• Kathmandu Heritage – 3 Days
• Inheritances of Kathmandu – 4 Days
• Glimpses of Kathmandu & Nagarkot – 5 Days
• Kathmandu and Pokhara Unveiled – 5 Days
• Explore Kathmandu – 6 Days
• Glimpse of Nepal – 8 Days
• Nepal Heritage Tour – 10 Days
• Nepal Adventure Tour – 11 Days
• Nepal Multi Sports Adventure – 11 Days
• Nepal Vista – 10 Days
• Nepal Highlights – 14 Days
• Experience Nepal – 15 Days
• One Day Biking Trip – Kathmandu – 1 Day
• Annapurna Circuit Biking – 14 Days
• Upper Mustang Biking – 16 Days
• Kathmandu Valley Rim Biking – 8 Days
• Annapurna in Luxury – 9 Days
• VVIP Everest Base Camp Trek – 10 Days
• Everest View Luxury Trek – 11 Days
• Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek – 14 Days
• Everest Base Camp Deluxe Trek – 16 Days
• Mt Everest Base Camp to Gokyo Trek – 19 Days
• Kathmandu Luxury Tour – 3 Days
• Kathmandu and Pokhara Luxury Tour – 5 Days
• Nepal Multi Sport Luxury Adventure – 11 Days
• Best of Nepal – 14 Days
• Trishuli River Rafting – 1 Day
• Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour – 1 Day
• Everest Base Camp Heli Tour with Gokyo Extension – 1 Day
• Langtang Heli Sightseeing – 1 Day
• Pokhara and Annapurna Heli Sightseeing – 1 Day
• Paragliding in Nepal (Pokhara) – 1 Day
• Scenic Mountain Flight (Everest Flight) – 1 Day
• Ultra Light Flight – 1 Day
• Jamacho Day Hike-One day hiking trip – 1 Day
• Kathmandu Uncovered with Nagarkot – 1 Day
• Day Tour to UNESCO Heritage Sites – 1 Day
• Nepal and Tibet – 15 Days
• Nepal and Bhutan – 15 Days
• India, Nepal and Bhutan – 19 Days
• Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan – 20 Days
• Arupokhari School Volunteer Program – 14 Days
• Rebuild Home Volunteer Program – 9 Days
• Bardiya Jungle Safari – 4 Days
• Chitwan Jungle Safari – 3 Days

Trekking in Bhutan

Festival tours, motorcycling.

• Druk Path Trek – 8 Days
• Chomalhari Trek – 12 Days
• Laya Ghasa Trek – 18 Days
• Bhutan Vistas Tour – 5 Days
• Cultural Heartland Tour – 10 Days
• Hidden Valley – 11 Days
• Bhutan Multi Sports Tour – 11 Days
• Paro Tshechu Festival – 8 Days
• Punakha Tsechu – 9 Days
• Trongsa Lhuntse Tshechu – 9 Days
• Bumthang Tangbi – 11 Days
• Bhutan Ura Yakchoe – 12 Days
• Tamshingphala Choepa – 12 Days
• Mongar and Trashigang – 16 Days
• Bhutan Biking – 8 Days
• Bhutan Motorcycle Tour – 12 Days

Trekking in Tibet

• Tibet Advance Everest Base Camp – 21 Days
• Cho Oyu Expedition – 45 Days
• Shishapangma Expedition – 47 Days
• Everest Expedition via North Side – 63 Days
• Kathmandu and Lhasa Tour – 7 Days
• Tibet Heritage Tour – 8 Days
• Overland Tour to Everest Base Camp – 10 Days
• Mount Kailash Mansarovar Lake Tour – 15 Days
• Everest Base Camp Biking Tour – 21 Days

Mosaic Adventure

Unleash the trekking bug in you…. experience the Himalayan touch……

Lukla to Everest Base Camp | Everest Base Camp Route from Lukla

Trekking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp in the Everest region, locally known as Khumbu region , is on the bucket list of every trekking enthusiast.

Trekking to the base of Mount Everest is a dream of every trekker and adventure seeker.

Who wouldn’t want to see the world’s highest peak in front of them?

The Everest Base camp trek takes you to the foothills of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Standing at 5,364 meters, the Everest Base Camp offers an up-close view of some of the world’s highest peaks.

Ever since Lukla airport was established in 1964, the Lukla to Everest Base Camp route has been the standard and most popular trekking route in the Everest region.

In the past, the trail from Jiri was the only route to Everest; these days, the trail that starts from Jiri to Everest Base Camp is known as the classic Everest Base Camp Trail.

Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek) will fill your journey with amazing experiences and memories.

You can explore the rich Sherpa culture and witness the astounding biodiversity of Sagarmatha National Park .

Centuries-old monasteries found while going from Lukla to EBC are historic and hold great value among the locals.

En route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, we spend overnight at Tyangboche. This small Tyangboche village is named after the Tyangboche Monastery, which is also known as Dawa Choling Gompa.

It is the largest monastery in the Everest region and is the Sherpa community’s Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

Mount Everest is gorgeous by itself, and the people living around make the place even better.

The views are incredible, and the overall experience is unforgettable.

So wait no more, pack your bags and begin on your journey from Lukla to EBC.

Table of Contents

Highlights of Lukla to Everest Base Camp:

Lukla to everest base camp brief itinerary:, day 1: take a short flight to lukla, followed by a trek to phakding., day 2: trek to namche bazaar via monjo., day 3: acclimatization day. hike to everest view hotel, explore khumjung and back to namche., day 4: trek to tyangboche, day 5: trek to dingboche., day6: hike to nagartshang peak and back to dingboche., day 7: trek to lobuche., day 8:  trek to gorakshep and return trip to everest base camp., day 9: sunrise viewing  hike to kala patthar and return to pheriche., day 10: trek back to namche bazaar., day 11: trek to lukla., day 12: flight back to kathmandu., lukla to everest base camp trek map, lukla to everest base camp distance, lukla to everest base camp by car price, lukla to everest base camp helicopter price, lukla to everest base camp elevation, best time to trek from lukla to everest base camp, what are teahouses, head and hands, toiletries and personal hygiene, accessories, additional recommended items, importance of acclimatization on your journey from lukla to ebc:, in conclusion,.

• An exhilarating mountain flight above the great Himalayan range marks the start of this remarkable journey to Everest Base Camp as you fly from Kathmandu to Lukla.
• Experience the historically rich culture of the Sherpas and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
• Centuries-old monasteries reflect the richness of art, architecture, and history.
• The views throughout the Everest Base Camp trek are some of the best in the world, with glorious peaks always in sight.
• Green valleys with dense forests add beauty to the landscape, and the biodiversity at this altitude in Sagarmatha National Park is astounding.
• Reaching the Mount Everest Base Camp, at the base of the world’s highest mountain standing at an altitude of 8845 meters, is an achievement in itself.
• Watch the sunrise from the top of Kala Patthar; the beauty during the golden hour will leave you spellbound.
• You will also have a chance to witness the Khumbu Glacier, the world’s highest glacier.

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar.

Day 3: Acclimatization and side trips in Namche.

Day 4: Trek to Tyangboche.

Day 6: Hike to Nagartsang and back to Dingboche.

Day 8: Arrive at Everest Base Camp and trek back to Gorakshep.

Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar and Pheriche.

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Flight back to Kathmandu and onward to your hotel.

Detailed Itinerary of Lukla to EBC:

Maximum altitude: 2,840 meters

Duration: 3-4 hours

The day begins with an exhilarating flight to Lukla, overlooking the grandeur of the Himalayas. It is an adventurous start to this fantastic journey.

After landing in Lukla, you trek for about 3 to 4 hours, mostly downhill through forests of rhododendron and oak trees, crossing traditional Sherpa villages.

The trail is comfortable for walking and is well-maintained.

Overnight in Phakding.

Maximum altitude: 3,440 meters

Duration: 6-7 hours

The walk starts to get a bit tough from this day.

The trail leading to Namche from Phakding is rocky and steep, mostly uphill.

Suspension bridges, including the famous Hillary Bridge on the way to Namche, might give you chills.

The Hillary Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, is the final suspension bridge that you have to cross while entering the famous town of Namche Bazaar.

Along the way from Phakding to Namche Bazaar, other than these thrilling suspension bridges, the sight of dense forests of rhododendron, fir, and magnolia alongside the Dudh Koshi river will calm your heart and soul.

As you get close to Namche Bazaar , the snowy peaks start to appear on the backdrop of this high altitude popular settlement of Namche.

This Sherpa village, with beautiful houses and hotels, is a perfect spot for acclimatization.

Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Maximum altitude: 3,962 meters at Everest View Hotel, 3,790 meters at Khumjung

Duration: 4 hours

Since you are at an altitude of 3,440 meters, it’s better to acclimatize.

You hike up to the Everest View Hotel, which is the highest altitude hotel in the world, offering spectacular views of Everest and many other peaks.

The place where the Everest View Hotel is situated is known as Syangboche.

While descending, we explore the Sherpa village of Khumjung.

You can witness the local lifestyle of the people here.

There is a Sherpa cultural museum you can visit to find out more about Sherpas, their culture, and lifestyle.

Besides these, Namche offers excellent facilities for teahouses, restaurants, pubs and bars to relax.

Overnight in Namche.

Maximum altitude: 3,860 meters

Duration: 5 hours

On this day, you will walk along the river banks with a few steep inclines.

The vegetation will start to disappear.

The view from Tyangboche is an absolute delight for the eyes.

You will see panoramic views of various mountains such as Kwangde, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Mt Everest.

Tyangboche, also known as Tengboche, gets its name from the centuries-old monastery, the Tyangboche monastery, which is of utmost importance in the Khumbu region.

The friendly monks, intricate artwork and blissful aura of this place should not be missed.

Overnight in Tyangboche.

Maximum altitude: 4,360 meters

The section of the Lukla to Everest Base Camp trail on this day is moderately steep.

You will walk through rocky uphill tracks for most of the day. You will cross the 4,000-meter mark today.

As expected, the peaks seem to be getting closer, and amazing views start to appear.

Beautiful mountains such as Lhotse, Island Peak, and Ama Dablam look gorgeous.

You will come across the Pangboche monastery where you can find the allegedly claimed yeti scalp.

The walk follows the trail along Imja Khola. Mani stones and prayer flags add to the beauty of this path.

Overnight at Dingboche.

Maximum altitude: 5,080 meters

Duration: 4 hours    

Today, you will spend a day acclimatizing in Dingboche.

While in Dingboche, hiking up to Nagartshang (also known as Nagartsang or Nagarjun) peak is a perfect acclimatization hike.

Nagartshang, at an altitude of 5,080 meters, is an uphill ascent on a rocky and steep trail.

This viewpoint offers a mesmerizing view of Makalu and Lhotse.

Hiking up to this altitude and returning to sleep at Dingboche will help your body adapt to the increasing altitude.

Overnight in Dingboche.

Maximum altitude: 4,940 meters

The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche is rocky with some steep inclines.

It is a tough hike, and the high altitude adds to the adventure.

As you ascend higher, the views of Mount Pumori and Khumbu Icefall are rewarding.

After a long steep climb, the panoramic view from the top is exceptionally satisfying.

There is a memorial in Lobuche in memory of people who lost their lives while attempting to conquer the mountains.

Overnight in Lobuche.

Maximum altitude: 5,364 meters

Duration: 8 hours

This is a significant day of the trek that started from Lukla.

We start our day early, walking through uneven rocky trails towards Everest Base Camp.

The views are stunning with mountains and glaciers surrounding you in all directions.

Standing at the Everest Base Camp gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

After spending sufficient time at Base Camp for photos, you trek back to Gorakshep for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Gorkashep.

Maximum altitude: 5,545 meters

Duration: 7 hours

Today, you hike up to the most famous viewpoint of Kala Patthar.

Starting your hike at dawn will help you witness the spectacular and unforgettable sunrise view from Kala Patthar.

This is the best viewpoint to watch Everest and the surrounding Himalayas.

When the sun hits the glorious snow-capped mountains, the result is simply stunning.

From here, you will trek back to Pheriche for an overnight stay.

Overnight in Pheriche.

The return trek to Namche Bazaar on this day is a steep descent through stone steps, rocky trails and grasslands.

The walk is easy for those who don’t like climbing up.

On reaching Namche Bazaar, you can celebrate the success of your trek.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants for that. You can also explore the local market and get some souvenirs for friends and family.

On the final day of descent, you will enjoy the beautiful view of rivers and snow-covered mountains in the backdrop.

The trail passes through river banks and dense forests. Bird watching is quite popular in Sagarmatha National Park .

The feeling of completing the trek will make your walk easy and pleasant. Overnight in Lukla.

Overnight in Lukla.

This is the day when you take another exciting flight over the Himalayas.

The 30-minute flight will take you to the capital city of Kathmandu.

Flights might get delayed due to weather conditions, so keeping a flexible schedule is advised.

Our standard 14-day package of the Everest Base Camp Trek includes the above 12 days of the trek.

For those with limited time, you can book this 11-day Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return .

Below map shows the most visited places on the journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

These are the main places we reach during the 12-day itinerary mentioned above.

Lukla to Everest Base Camp Cost

When you plan a trek from Lukla to EBC, you must know it will prove an exciting and expensive adventure. The costs of this adventure generally include permits, guide fees, accommodation, and meals along the trekking route. 

Moreover, the overall cost mainly depends on various factors like the season of travel and the chosen trekking agency. It is important to budget for a safe and memorable journey, but there are lots of packages and options available that can handle your different financial considerations.

Before covering the camp cost, you must know the total distance and all the resources you can use for camping. Here are some basic information you must know before deciding your budget.

The trek from Lukla to EBC covers approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) and is an important factor for trekkers planning their Himalayan adventure. This trek offers an immersive experience of the rugged beauty of the Khumbu region, showcasing stunning landscapes, local culture, and high-altitude challenges. 

Trekking lovers often take around 12 days to cover this distance, allowing for acclimatization and an unforgettable journey to the foothills of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.

Reaching Everest Base Camp by car may seem like a good option for some adventurers, but the challenging terrain and lack of proper roads in the region make it an unfeasible option. 

Traditionally, trekkers fly into Lukla and start their journey on foot, and immers themselves in the unique mountain environment. The captivating beauty and cultural richness along the trekking route make this traditional approach the preferred choice for reaching Everest Base Camp.

Although trekking may take longer, it is undoubtedly the most rewarding way to experience the Khumbu region.

If you want to reach Everest Base Camp quicker and more luxuriously then it is no more difficult as the helicopter service is available from Lukla. 

The cost of a helicopter ride varies depending on factors such as the type of helicopter, weather conditions, and demand. 

Although this option is more expensive than traditional trekking, it offers a time-efficient and breathtaking aerial view of the Himalayas. The convenience and scenic splendor of this option make it an attractive alternative for those who have a higher budget. You can contact us for more information.

The journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is known for its significant change in elevation. The trek begins at Lukla, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet). 

As trekkers start to climb, they face varying elevations and acclimatization challenges. The base camp of Mount Everest is located at a remarkable altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). 

For viewing the world’s highest peaks, the whole trek demands physical preparation and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of the Himalayas .  

Hands down, spring and autumn are the two best seasons to trek in Nepal, and the same goes for the Everest Base Camp trek.

During autumn, the weather is warm, making it easy to trek in such conditions.

Visibility is at its best, making the mountains seem spectacular.

Additionally, autumn is the time for festivals in Nepal, making it the best time for trekking to Everest Base Camp .

Spring is generally much warmer than autumn, and the all-round greenery and blooming flowers make it a delightful time to trek.

There’s a freshness in the air unlike any other time.

Those who hate the cold should plan their trek in the spring season, especially between early May to mid-June.

Winter and monsoon are not among the ideal times to trek, but for avid trekkers, this might be the right time as trails are less crowded.

Thus, the best time depends on the purpose of the trek, time availability and your interests.

Accommodation on Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek

Accommodation during the Everest Base Camp trek ranges from basic to “luxury” hotels.

In places like Namche Bazaar or below, you can find luxury lodge options like the Yeti Mountain Home.

However, as you go higher from Namche Bazar, the facilities for accommodation become quite basic, and your only option is basic teahouses.

Teahouses are basic lodges built along the trail to provide shelter and accommodation to trekkers.

They are better than tents but nothing fancy. So, keep your expectations low in terms of trek accommodation.

These teahouses offer food services with rooms on a twin or dorm-sharing basis.

The teahouse owner arranges all your requirements for food and shelter.

On these teahouse treks, you do not need to carry food and camping gear.

Packing Guideline

• Warm hat (for morning and evening)
• Polarized UV sunglasses
• Bandana or scarf
• Waterproof and windproof gloves
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Synthetic insulated jacket
• Down jacket
• Windstopper jacket
• Rain jacket
• Thermal inner wear
• Moisture-wicking tops
• Convertible hiking pants
• Hiking shorts
• Warm hiking undergarments

• Hiking shoes(waterproof recommended)
• Hiking socks
• Hiking sandals
• Antibacterial hand-wash
• Tissue or toilet paper
• Sunscreen and other creams
• Moisturizer
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioners
• Feminine hygiene products
• Quick-drying towel
• Water bottle
• Trekking Poles
• Headlamps and extra batteries
• Sleeping bag
• First aid kit
• Waist bag for small items
• Extra plastic bags (to keep extra things like dirty laundry and waste)
• Everest Base Camp Trek Map and information on route and mountains
• Binoculars (optional)
• DSLR Camera and extra batteries
• Pillowcase (For better hygienic stay)
• Your documents

Acclimatization is crucial for your journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

It makes trekking more enjoyable and safer.

Unfortunately, many trekkers underestimate the risk of altitude sickness and end up having a bad experience.

Even though time is limited in our busy world, it’s essential not to compromise on safety.

Taking it slow and following the acclimatization guidelines is the key to a successful trip.

Acclimatization means allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes and lower oxygen levels.

We hike to higher areas during the day and return to sleep at lower altitudes to help our lungs adapt to the thin air of the Everest region.

During the 12-day journey with Mosaic Adventure, we’ve included 2 acclimatization days—one in Namche Bazaar and one in Dingboche.

On these days, our guide will take you to higher elevations and then bring you back to sleep at lower elevations where you spent the previous night.

Apart from the acclimatization days, it’s crucial not to push yourself every day.

Give your body enough time to rest, walk at a slow pace and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

A hydrated body will better adjust to the lower oxygen levels.

Make sure to take frequent breaks while climbing from Lukla to EBC.

By walking slowly, using acclimatization days and staying hydrated, you can make this journey a trip of a lifetime.

Join Mosaic Adventure on a thrilling and unforgettable journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

Our team of professional and trained experienced guides and porters ensures a safe and enjoyable trek, while small group sizes and affordable prices make it accessible to all.

Discover the highlighted points mentioned above, including the best time to visit, accommodation options, essential packing tips and other useful information for your adventure.

Most importantly, learn about the importance of acclimatization to ensure a successful and safe trek.

Book with us now for a hassle-free and memorable trekking experience of a lifetime.

Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.

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Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.

Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.

He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.

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Understanding the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

: 2024-04-05

Last Updated : 2024-04-05

If you’ve ever dreamed of trekking to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest , understanding the total Everest Base Camp Trek Distance distance you’ll need to cover is important.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a demanding yet very rewarding trekking journey. It covers over 38 miles round trip. This trek will take you through quiet and calm villages, stunning landscapes, and up to altitudes of over 17,000 feet.

So, get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime on this epic trek in the Himalayas.

Table of Contents

The everest base camp trek distance.

The distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp on the Everest Base Camp trek is approximately 38 miles one way.

Daily distances covered on key stops like Namche, Tengbouche, Dingbouche, and Lobuche during the trek can vary. Typically, it ranges from 5 to 10 miles each day, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekker.

Understanding the Everest Base Camp trek distance is also important in planning for acclimatization stops along the way. These stops help the body adjust to the increasing altitude gain.

By spacing out rest days and shorter hiking distances strategically, trekkers can reduce the risk of altitude sickness. This ensures a successful ascent to Everest Base Camp.

Planning the trekking route and itinerary considers varying elevation gains and challenging terrain. It offers trekkers stunning views of Mount Everest , monasteries, and the unique Sherpa culture along the way.

Adequate gear, accommodation bookings, and hiring local guides or porters all contribute to a safe and enjoyable Everest Base Camp trekking experience in Nepal.

Key Stops on the Trek

Namche Bazaar is an important stop on the Everest Base Camp trek. Its strategic location helps trekkers acclimatize to the altitude.

At around 11,286 feet, Namche’s elevation impacts trekkers adjusting to higher altitudes. It’s an important rest point before they continue further towards the base camp.

This mountain town offers various services like lodges, gear shops, and Wi-Fi cafes. It gives a taste of civilization in the rough terrain, allowing for comfortable rest and re-energizing.

Moreover, Namche provides breathtaking views of mountains, including Mount Everest. It is a moment of stooping into an inspirational environment for trekkers.

With its services catering to trekkers’ needs, Namche is a vital hub on the Everest Base Camp trek route.

Tengboche is a special place in Nepal, along the Everest Base Camp trek. It’s known for the Tengbouche Monastery, which is big and important in the region.

This monastery lets trekkers learn about Tibetan Buddhism and Sherpa culture, adding cultural value to the journey.

Tengbouche also gives amazing views of Mount Everest and other mountains, making the trek more exciting. Trekkers can relax there, adjust to the high altitude, and then move on to Everest Base Camp.

In Tengboche, you can find places to stay, rent gear, and hire local Sherpa guides, which are all helpful for the journey.

Dingboche is also an important stop on the Everest Base Camp trek. It is located at around 4,410 meters above sea level.

This stop helps trekkers acclimatize to the high altitude before moving forward. Taking an extra day in Dingboche allows hikers to rest and get used to the thin air. This reduces the risk of altitude sickness as they continue towards Everest Base Camp.

In addition to acclimatization, Dingboche offers beautiful views of the mountains, such as Lhotse and Ama Dablam. Trekkers can also explore the Dingboche Monastery to experience the local Sherpa culture.

Lobuche is yet another important stop on the Everest Base Camp trek. It offers stunning views of mountains like Mount Everest.

The journey from Pheriche to Lobuche is known for its higher altitude, tough terrain, and the need to acclimatize properly. Trekkers will enjoy beautiful mountain views when trekking to Lobuche, passing villages like Dingboche and Tukla.

During the trek, a day of rest in Lobuche is included for acclimatization. Travelers should be prepared with the right gear and have accommodations booked in advance, as Lobuche is a popular resting place for those heading to Everest’s summit.

Daily Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Covered

Kathmandu to lukla airport.

Day 1 of the Everest Base Camp trek starts in Kathmandu. This is the starting point of the Everest Base Camp trek. Trekkers fly to Lukla Airport , which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This flight shows them the beautiful mountain views for the first time.

Upon landing in Lukla, at an altitude of around 9,383 feet, trekkers begin their journey to the famous Everest Base Camp. The trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar involves a moderate hike. This allows trekkers to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Along the way, trekkers pass through villages like Monjo and Tengboche. They get to experience the Sherpa culture and enjoy the scenic Himalayan surroundings.

Day 1 sets the tone for the trek ahead. It marks the start of an adventure filled with challenges, stunning views, and the thrill of reaching Everest Base Camp.

Lukla to Pheriche

Day 2 of the Everest Base Camp Trek distance covers about 12 miles from Lukla to Pheriche.

Key stops along this route include Namche Bazaar, Monjo, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche.

The elevation changes significantly, from around 9,300 feet in Lukla to nearly 14,000 feet in Pheriche .

Hence, proper acclimatization is very important to avoid altitude sickness during this ascent. Rest, hydration, and following the guidance of experienced guides are important for a safe trek.

Consider the average hiking pace at higher altitudes and accommodation options in each village to plan effectively when calculating the Everest Base Camp Trek distance.

The stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains serve as motivation for this challenging trek.

Pheriche to Lobuche

Thereafter, during the Everest Base Camp trek, trekkers will go from Pheriche to Lobuche. Some key stops along the way are Dingboche, Duglha, and Thukla. The distance from Pheriche to Lobuche is about 7 kilometers. It usually takes 3–4 hours to hike this section, depending on the trekker’s pace and acclimatization to the altitude.

This part of the trek offers amazing mountain views, including Mount Everest. Trekkers get to see the Sherpa culture with visits to monasteries. It is very important to acclimatize carefully and follow the Sherpa guides so trekkers can make it through this challenging route and get ready for the Everest Base Camp. 

Lobuche to Everest Base Camp

The trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp has some very important stops. One of these is Gorak Shep, where trekkers take a break before reaching the base camp.

It usually takes 4-6 hours of hiking to go from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp. The altitude increases significantly on this route, and the thin air can be challenging for trekkers as they move towards the famous mountain.

Acclimatization in Namche Bazaar , Dingboche, and other stops is essential. This helps trekkers adjust to the high elevation. Trekkers must have the right gear, like sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes, and oxygen supplies readily with them. 

It is to be noted that Sherpa guides are very helpful during the journey. They assist trekkers throughout the trip. During the whole journey, during the time of emergency, guides play a very important role. It might be tempting to try heading to the EBC solo but it is our appeal to always take a guide while heading to remote himalayas of Nepal. It’s the matter of lives we are talking about and is definitely not worth not taking safety measures. 

Also, the Nepal Tourism Board has implemented a ban in solo trekking to enhance safety and prevent incidents. The decision was influenced by the increasing number of missing solo trekkers and,, therefore, the need to regulate trekking activities to ensure the well-being of trekkers coming from all corners of the world and reduce the strain on rescue operations.

Time Estimates for the Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek distance covering usually takes 12–14 days.

• It covers a distance of about 130 kilometers round trip.
• Factors to consider for estimating the time include altitude gain, acclimatization, hiking route, rest days, and physical fitness level.
• Trekkers start in Kathmandu, fly to Lukla, and then head towards several locations like Namche Bazaar, Monjo, Tengboche, and more.
• Along the way, they enjoy views of Everest, visit Sherpa villages and monasteries, and stay in lodges.
• The trek is challenging due to altitude and terrain, and it requires proper gear, oxygen, and guidance from Sherpa guides.
• It’s advisable to book through a tour operator for a well-planned itinerary and porter support.

Reaching High Points on the Trek

Physically preparing for reaching high points and also covering the total Everest Base Camp Trek distance involves regular exercise. Focus on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and stamina building.

Proper acclimatization is important for successfully reaching high points on the trek. The rapid altitude gain requires recommended stopovers in Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Lobuche to help with acclimatization.

Common challenges when reaching high points on the trek include altitude sickness, fatigue, and extreme weather conditions. These challenges can be managed by gradual ascent, staying hydrated, using proper gear, and listening to local guides. Overcoming these challenges ensures a safe ascent to high points like Kala Patthar , which offers stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Prioritizing acclimatization and understanding the route, elevation gain, and distance to be covered are important for a successful Everest Base Camp trek. It offers a rewarding experience amidst Nepal’s breathtaking mountain scenery.

Logistics of the Trek

Traveling to Everest Base Camp involves flying from Kathmandu to Lukla and then trekking to Namche Bazaar. Lodging and meals are available in lodges or tea houses along the way in places like Monjo, Dingboche, and Gorak Shep.

Safety on the trek is ensured by knowledgeable guides, first aid supplies, and oxygen in case of altitude sickness. Emergency communication and medical support are also accessible if needed.

The round trip covers about 130 kilometers, with an elevation gain of over 3,000 meters. Trekkers get stunning views of Mount Everest and nearby peaks, with the challenge of reaching Kala Patthar for a panoramic view of the Everest summit.

Opting for the Everest Base Camp Trek and covering the Everest Base Camp Trek distance is a real test of endurance and, yes, a chance to experience the actual raw beauty of nature. The trek covers about 38 miles from Lukla to the base camp, offering stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. It’s also an opportunity to understand the Sherpa culture, visit ancient monasteries, and push your limits.

Knowing the distance is important for planning rest and acclimatization stops. Trekkers should mandatorily listen to their bodies, respect the challenges of altitude and terrain, prepare well, and also without fail follow Sherpa guides’ advice.

Ultimately, the trek is not just about reaching the base camp but about enjoying the actual journey, facing challenges, and creating lasting memories in the Himalayas. 

So, get ready, to cover the entire Everest Base Camp Trek distance, and breathe in the mountain air, and begin this unforgettable adventure!

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a 130 km round trip beginning from Lukla, with 65 kilometers each way.

The Everest Base Camp Trek typically takes around 12-14 days, including acclimatization days. However, the duration can vary depending on the individual’s pace, fitness level, and itinerary.

Factors that can affect the distance covered during the Everest Base Camp Trek include physical fitness level, pace of hiking, acclimatization to high altitude, weather conditions, and trail conditions such as steep terrain and snow accumulation.

Yes, there are different routes and variations of the Everest Base Camp Trek that may vary in distance. For example, the traditional route from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is about 130 km round trip, while taking alternative paths can increase or decrease the total distance.

Yes, it is very important to have a good understanding of the distance and terrain of the Everest Base Camp Trek before attempting it. Knowing the route and challenges can help you prepare physically and mentally, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a safe and enjoyable trek.

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Lukla to Everest Base Camp – A Complete Guide

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Everest Base Camp is a special treat to all the hikers and adventure seekers gifted by mother nature. It is an iconic destination located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Considered to be the highest base camp in the world at 5,364m above sea level, the Everest Base Camp trek is a full-packed adventure tour.

The Everest trek takes you through a series of diverse geography from the lush green forests of oaks, pines, and juniper in lower elevations to the rocky and desert terrains in the higher altitudes. Throughout the whole trekking trail you will be accompanied by the stunning Himalayas. The pleasure you get in doing the EBC trek is absolutely immeasurable.

The journey to the EBC starts with the short 30 mins flight from Kathmandu to Lukla to Everest Base Camp.

How to start your trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

Starting your trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is a popular route for many trekkers.

Firstly, you have to get to Lukla from Kathmandu either by taking a Lukla flight or traveling by ground transportation via Salleri. Most trekkers tend to take a Lukla flight which is by far the best way to get to Lukla.

Upon reaching the Lukla your trekking journey officially begins full of energy and expectations that lie ahead. Generally, the standard Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek requires 12 days of the walking itinerary which will be provided below.

From Lukla, on your first day, you will trek to Phakding, a major stop-place for all the trekkers. It is 3-4 hours of pleasant walking from Lukla village for the first day of the trek. Further, the trek then continues to take you through numerous Sherpa settlements onwards (Namche, Tyangboche, Pangboche, Dingboche). The heartwarming hospitality of the Sherpa and locals, stunning landscapes, flora, and fauna among many others will steal your heart over and over again. 

Following the route, after approximately 10-12 days of trekking, you will reach the long-awaited destination Everest Base Camp. Such a proud and exciting moment to stand at the world’s highest base camp. Live the moment, take photos, and just enjoy.

Gorakshep will be the last stop on this lifetime trekking experience from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back. On this entire journey, you will ascend to a max altitude of 5,545m above sea level at Kalapatthar, a huge achievement to be mentioned.

Multiple days of hiking and walking at such a higher altitude in the Nepal Himalayas will be worth the time and hard-earn money.  

Also, check our “Everything To Know About Lukla Flight”

What is the trekking distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

The trekking distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp covers a total distance of approximately 130km -65km each way. However, the distance varies depending on the specific route taken and any side treks are done.

Also, the distance covered on each day varies too. The first phase of hiking to EBC requires a daily average walking hour of 5-7 hours whereas returning back adds an additional extra hour.

Make yourself comfortable during the trek by walking at a slower pace and hydrating your body. It is also essential to keep your body acclimatize properly at such higher altitudes.

How many days of the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

Basically, it takes 12 days of total duration trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp including the two days of acclimatization in between. Here’s the standard outline itinerary.

• Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m) and trek to Phakding (2,610m)
• Day 2 : Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
• Day 3 : Rest day in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization
• Day 4 : Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m)
• Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
• Day 6 : Rest day in Dingboche for acclimatization
• Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)
• Day 8 : Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,140m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and back to Gorakshep
• Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m) for sunrise views of Mount Everest, then descend to Pheriche (4,240m)
• Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
• Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
• Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu

Before leaving for the trek, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment, documents, and Everest Base Camp Trek Insurance with you.

What should I expect on the Everest Base Camp trail?

Nothing more than an absolute adventure. The whole journey completes on rugged trails with varied terrains from lush forests and rivers to rocky terrain and steep inclines. Crossing the suspension bridges over the raging rivers and encountering the yaks and horses will be something very common to you.

As the trail passes through several Sherpa settlements, you will experience the unique culture and traditions of the local Sherpa people. Their warm and welcoming atmosphere makes the trek more memorable and fun.

Also, you’ll visit the oldest Tyangboche monastery, and several other rhumbas, chortens, and prayer flags along the way.  

Additionally, the EBC trail offers breathtaking views of the stunning mountains including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam among many others. You’ll also see beautiful glaciers, rivers, and valleys.

You will find teahouses at every major stop that provides trekkers with basic accommodations and meals.

Plan Your Trek!

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Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek – An Insider’s Guide

The trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp takes between 11 and 14 days depending on weather conditions and rest days needed. This insider's guide to Everest Base Camp treks has everything you need to know about planning this epic adventure!

Trekking from Lukla to the world's tallest mountain – Mount Everest – is an adventure of a lifetime! There's a lot of thing you need to know before you go, and so Saugat Adhikari, a seasoned hiker from Nepal and co-founder of a travel company in Kathmandu, shares some inside tips and advice which may prove to be invaluable in your travel planning.

Lukla to Mount Everest Trek

by Saugat Adhikari

I’m an avid trekker and have trekked most of the routes in Nepal and several areas of other countries.  But one of my favorite treks is the epic adventure of the Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek often known as the Mount Everest base camp trek) which starts from the high altitude airport at Lukla, situated in the Khumbu Region, as the Everest Region is called by the local residents, the Sherpas.

You may be familiar with this trek through the name ‘Everest’ – the highest mountain in the world.  Unfortunately, I haven’t climbed those 8,848 meters above sea level to the top of the world – and I expect most of you reading this will also not be fortunate enough to summit the world’s highest peak.  But for almost all of us, it is possible to reach the foot of the magnificent mountain at base camp.  Which takes you above an impressive 5,000 meters into the Himalayas.

On route, you will experience the exhilarating flight into Lukla airport, also known as the Tenzing Hillary Airport (and known as one of the most dangerous airports!), visit Sherpa villages, meet the inhabitants of these mountains, and view the rugged, spiritual beauty of this region.  And of course, you will be almost close enough to touch Mount Everest! 

Make no mistake though, in this rocky terrain one has to go at a slow pace in order to trek safely and reach Everest Base Camp successfully.  Sometimes people ask me “how far is the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?”  Well in Nepal we do not measure distance by miles, but rather by time.  In the case of the trek to Everest Base Camp (also known as the EBC Trek), that is days. Read on!

Lukla Kathmandu Lukla Flight

More often than not this is a very early flight.  But, if you are like me, the excitement of the Everest Base Camp Trek makes up for the early morning wake-up call. 

And the excitement starts right here!  Situated at 9,337ft/ 2,846m flying into Lukla, with its very short runway, is an experience you won’t forget – ever!  

On the downside – the weather needs to be perfect for this flight and flights are frequently canceled. Because of this trekking in this region is not done during the monsoon season.  And for this reason, I suggest you build in 3 or 4 contingency days before planning your post-trek itinerary.  Particularly if you are heading straight for an international flight.  

Interestingly you are allowed 10kg of baggage and 5kg of carry-on weight.  But I really recommend you pack way lighter than that!  Remember someone has to carry your luggage!    Of course, there will be a porter and you will be only carrying a day pack, containing water, a camera, daily essentials, a first aid kit, and wearing your, already pre-loved hiking boots. Your companions for the entire trek.

Permits for the Trek

For this trek, you need two permits, as requested by the Nepal Government, namely

Sagarmatha National Park Permit: NPR 3,000 or roughly USD 30

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit (a local government fee): NPR 2,000 or roughly USD 20

But what happens if you don’t have time to get the permits before leaving Kathmandu for the Everest Base Camp Trek?  Don’t worry, you can now buy both permits on the trail itself.  

Photographs are not needed to obtain the permits.  TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) permits are no longer necessary for the Everest Region.  Saves a lot of time and headache!

Best Time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek

I’m often asked when is the best time to do the Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek. While there are two main ‘trekking’ seasons, I like the winter as there are fewer crowds and you can enjoy the serenity of the region without any distractions from other groups of trekkers. But wrap up warmly, it will be extremely cold.

However, the most popular times and the peak season to visit Everest Base Camp are:

Spring : March to May (May is also the main climbing season for the highest mountain in the world.) 

Autumn : September to December (which is post-monsoon)

And of course, comparing experiences on the trails and making new friends in the lodges are a very big part of the overall experience for many people.  The best time to meet new friends is in the busy season.

Read: Best time to visit Nepal

How Much Does it Cost to do the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The cost will depend on how you do the trek. 

The cost of the flight is fixed – unless you want to add weeks to your journey and walk all the way from Kathmandu like the mountaineers of old!  (Personally, I do not recommend it!)  Airfare – $170 one way.

You can do this trek individually or with a trekking company.

With a trekking company or tour operator : 

it will cost you approximately USD 1,200 to USD 2,500 with a local Nepali company.   With an international company, it will cost you approximately USD 3,000 to USD 6,000.

Individually:   

I do not advise you to trek independently unless you have considerable previous hiking experience. This should never be your first trek experience solo.  

Remember this is the Himalayas and a slight error could cost you dearly, even if you follow the recommended rules, take a rest day or two and obey the laws of the gradual climb. Accidents do happen. But of course for minor injuries on your packing list should be a first aid kit. If you do decide to go alone, research via a good blog post or complete guide first.

For those who do wish to trek individually in the Everest Region, it will cost approximately USD 35 per day.  I have broken this down to give you an idea of where your money will go

• Cost of food per meal: USD 5 to 6
• Cost of non-alcoholic drinks: USD 2 to 5* 
• Cost of alcoholic drinks: USD 6 to 10
• Cost of accommodation: USD 5 to USD 150 (from tea houses to luxury lodge)
• Cost of a hot shower (yes you have to pay – it’s expensive to carry gas or firewood to the region): USD 4
• Cost of battery charge (again, electricity is limited, some will use solar): USD 2 to USD 6 for a full charge. 

To save money, I recommend you carry your own solar charger or power bank for your phone.  You can also reduce expenditure (and save the environment). Do you really need hot showers every day? Save even more by not drinking alcohol!  It is not recommended to drink at high altitude anyway, but who can resist one or two evenings of good cheer around the fireplace.

*while food is included with an organized trek, alcoholic drinks will incur an extra cost. 

Related: International Travel Packing Checklist

Trek Itinerary 

It’s always a good idea to have an idea of what to expect on a day-by-day basis when trekking.  So here is my breakdown of the Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek.

Day 1 Kathmandu to Lukla by flight then trek to Phakding

To access the Everest Base Camp Trek it takes around 40 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then another 3 or 4 hours to trek to Phakding, the first overnight stop.

Please note, there have been some changes to regulations and so it is probable you will fly from Manthali Airport, around 4 hours from Kathmandu.  That flight takes around 20 minutes but unfortunately, trekkers need to leave Kathmandu in the very early hours of the morning to catch the morning weather window. 

In Lukla, the trekking trail takes us to Phakding.  Although only 3 or 4 hours trek from Lukla, with the very early morning start from Kathmandu, that is enough walking on Day 1 for most people!

Day 2 Phakding to Namche

On day 2 the trail reaches the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park.  It is here I feel I am really entering Sherpa territory, particularly as I’m trekking through traditional villages and yak pastures.  Namche Bazaar is the largest village in this region, inhabited by those hardy Sherpas, and is the starting point for mountaineering expeditions.

Day 3 Acclimatization Day in Namche

Since Namche lies at almost 3,500m and the elevation gain only gets more from here, everyone must acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness. This is a great opportunity to head over to Everest View Hotel where there are great views of Everest! You can also visit the school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary which still educates Sherpa children today.  And don’t forget to shop for any last-minute (snack) items before heading into the wilderness.  Chocolate is always on my list! 

Day 4 Namche to Tengboche

This is one of my favorite days – a day to take stunning photographs, and perhaps do some personal meditation and reflection.  Tengboche is home to the highest Buddhist monastery in the region where you can meet some monks.  Definitely, you will get great views of the surrounding mountains.  The trek itself takes 5 to 6 hours passed Buddhist mani (prayer) walls and under prayer flags.

Day 5 Tengboche to Dingboche

It takes four to five hours of challenging walking to get to Dingboche – the highest Sherpa settlement in the region.  Thankfully we reach in time for lunch and the rest of the day is spent relaxing under the gaze of Mount Ama Dablam and other surrounding peaks.

Day 6 Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

While trekkers acclimatize at this (relatively) lower altitude, (it is always wise to use caution and follow the recommendation not to climb high too fast to avoid altitude sickness) there are short hikes that can be enjoyed and which help acclimatize to the higher altitudes yet to come.  My personal recommendation is a trip to the base of Nagkar Tshang Peak which takes 3.5 to 5 hours for a round trip.  This is a sacred site with good views of Mt Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world (8,485m/ 27,838ft). 

Day 7 Dingboche to Lobuche

Four to five hours of trekking = a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike!  This day takes me across a valley floor, through alpine scrub and yak pastures, and up through Thokla Pass, which is a bit challenging.  There are great views of Ama Dablam and panoramic views of several peaks over 7,000m.   And while its true Lobuche is not the most picturesque settlement, the surrounding scenery is extremely dramatic! 

Day 8 Lobuche to Gorakshep (Afternoon hike to Kalapatthar)

While this trek is called the Everest Base Camp Trek, for my money, the most exciting part of the hike is that to Kalapatthar.  From here (5,545m) the views of Everest are the best possible – much more clear than at Everest Base Camp.  And this is the highest point we can trek to in Nepal without getting a climbing permit.   Kalapatthar is actually a ridge and provides the best views of the world’s highest mountain! Overall the trail takes 6 or 7 hours to cover. 

Day 9 Gorakshep to Pheriche (morning hike to EBC)

Again today’s hike takes 7 or 8 hours. I would like to point out here that the Everest Base Camp on this trek is not exactly the one where mountaineering expeditions set up camp. 

The reason behind this is not to disturb the climbers as they prepare for their arduous climb and which may slow them down.  But there is a great view of the comings and goings of their preparation from our own base camp, particularly in the busy climbing season.

The Khumbu Glacier is also spectacular in its icy beauty.  After visiting Everest Base Camp the trek heads to Pheriche (4 hours away) where there is the Himalayan Rescue Association Clinic.  Nice to visit but no one wants to have to call them out on a rescue mission!   

Day 10 Pheriche to Namche

Leaving behind the rugged landscape of the mountains, forests, and greenery return as we get closer to Namche Bazaar.  This is a hard 6 or 7 hours walk and definitely an evening to allow yourself that alcoholic drink or two! Wi-Fi is also available, which means I can let people know I have finished the trek and am on the way back to Kathmandu.  

Day 11 Namche to Lukla

This is a sad day – heading on out of Namche and down to Lukla where it is necessary to overnight in order to make the early morning flight on to Kathmandu.  Until the next time Mt Everest!

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp Trek 

The world is your oyster (sometimes) as far as accommodation on this trek is concerned.  For the budget-conscious, there is lots of accommodation at the lower end of the price scale.  Even for as little as USD 5 per night in some guest houses or tea houses. 

If you prefer something more comfortable, there is the Everest View Hotel between Namche Bazaar and Tengboche (which I recommend you visit even for just a cup of coffee as the views are spectacular from here).  Other comfortable hotels, mainly found at lower altitudes, include the Yeti Mountain Home group of hotels at Phakding and Lukla.  

Lukla Hotels

• Yeti Mountain Home, Lukla Lukla  
• Lama Hotel, Lama's Rooftop Cafe Lukla  
• Lukla Airport Resort Lukla Chaurikharka  

As far as availability is concerned, accommodation at Lukla can become difficult if (or more likely, when) flights are delayed and there are many trekkers waiting in Lukla and seeking rooms.  In Namche Bazaar there are around 50 rooms to suit every budget. 

As you can imagine, it gets pretty busy here in the peak seasons as it is the jumping-off spot for many expeditions and treks.  In other towns, accommodation is on the simpler side and sometimes more difficult to obtain.  

For example, at Tengboche, there are only a handful of hotels and with people wanting to attend morning prayers (thus having to stay overnight beforehand) it might be better to trek downhill to Deboche, only 15 minutes away.  

If you are going on an organized Everest Base Camp Trek you shouldn’t have to worry about accommodation as the company will do that for you.  If trekking individually, be prepared to have to share with another trekker or sleep in the dining room if it's busy or flights are delayed.  It simply adds to the experience! 

Regardless of whether going with one of the many trekking companies or going independently, a sleeping bag is handy. In even the most comfortable of hotels you might be glad for just a little more warmth!

Food on the Mountain

I think you will be surprised at how tasty and varied the food is on the Everest Base Camp Trek.  You may also be surprised at how hungry you are while hiking for hours every day.  This is where stocking up on easy-to-carry and eat snacks at Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar comes in handy!

Meantime breakfast at all lodges, guest houses, and hotels along the route take on a similarity.  Porridge, noodles, bread, and a hot drink such as tea and coffee.  For your evening meal, you might be surprised by a whole menu of Western and Nepali items from pizza (with yak cheese) and soups to curry and rice. 

Dal Bhat Power 24 Hour!

Lunches are mostly taken at a tea house along the trail and are somewhat more simple.  Dal Bhat (a Nepali staple) will feature heavily.  Each cook (or household) prepares it a little differently so it’s never boring.  

I would suggest you avoid meat on the menu as most places above Namche do not have fridges and so you never can be too sure how fresh the meat is.  To stay healthy on any trek is the number one way to enjoy your trip! 

Regarding the price – above I have said to budget between USD 5 to 6 per meal.  That is for the basics only.  Remember that most items have to be brought in from Lukla airport via porter or yak.  If you want to add a dessert to your evening meal, that will cost you more! Note there are bakeries at Lukla, Namche and Tenboche.  Particularly nice on the way back from base camp and a change from Dal Bhat and porridge! 

Over all, it’s up to you how much you want to spend on food on the Everest Base Camp Trek.  Alcoholic drinks are extremely expensive as they are brought in by yak and porter!

In Conclusion: Is Trekking to Everest Base Camp Worth it? 

In a word – yes. The Everest Base Camp Trek is well worth the effort!

And as I said, the Everest Base Camp Trek is one of my favorite trekking routes and the best trekking experience.   Seeing the highest mountain – Mount Everest – in the world is truly awesome! 

Don’t forget there are many other treks around the Everest Region. This is just the most popular and normal route. Other trails also include a trek to Everest Base camp, all of which involve awesome scenery, snow, and ice. And equally as awesome Sherpa hospitality. 

Related: Snow quotes for Instagram

Lukla trek to Everest Base Camp FAQ

Some of the most frequently asked questions readers have about the EBC hike include:

How long is the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

While the distance from Lukla to base Camp at Everest is about 38.5 miles or 62 kilometers one-way, it is better to think of the trek in terms of the days needed which can vary between 11 and 14 days depending on circumstances.

How far is the walk from Lukla airport to Everest?

The walk from Lukla airport to Everest Base Camp is about 38.5 miles or 62 kilometers one-way.

How much does it cost to trek to Everest Base Camp?

International tour companies charge somewhere between 2000 and 3000 USD for the experience, which normally includes flights. A local company will probably charge half that amount.

Is trekking to Everest Base Camp worth it?

The trek to Everest Base Camp is definitely worth it if you're looking for an adventure. The views along the way are stunning, and you'll get to see Mount Everest up close. Plus, the experience of trekking in the Himalayas is unforgettable.

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EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

EVEREST BASE CAMP

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THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. This includes suggested itineraries and practical information about accommodation, costs, what to pack, independent vs. guided treks, transport, and more. We also offer a route map with GPX download for use on the trek. And along with this written guide, we also share ‘silent hiking’ films that work well as a visual guide to the trail.

A chance for an adventurous and exciting journey, the Everest Base Camp Trek serves up spectacular scenery and gets you close to the world’s highest mountains, and as one of Nepal’s best known treks, it attracts people of all ages and experience levels. The trek ascends to high altitude (5000 m +) and is challenging, but it is achievable with a sensible itinerary that includes proper acclimatisation. Read on to discover more and start planning your own EBC trek.

Use the drop down menu below to jump to each section of this guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK OVERVIEW

EBC TREK FILMS

EVEREST BASE CAMP MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

ELEVATION PROFILE & 3D ROUTE MAP

EVEREST BASE CAMP ITINERARIES

• THE CLASSIC EBC TREK
• EBC TREK VIA KHUMJUNG & PHORTSE
• EBC VIA KONGMA LA (5514 m)
• EBC AND GOKYO LAKES TREK
• BUFFER DAYS

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK SUMMARY

• LULKA TO NAMCHE BAZAAR
• NAMCHE ACCLIMATISATION DAY

NAMCHE BAZAAR TO DINGBOCHE

• ALT. ROUTE VIA KHUMJUNG & PHORTSE

DINGBOCHE ACCLIMATISATION DAY

Dingboche to everest base camp.

• ALT. ROUTE VIA KONGMA LA

EVEREST BASE CAMP TO LUKLA

• ALT. ROUTE VIA CHO LA & GOKYO LAKES

BEST TREKKING SEASONS

HOW TO GET TO LUKLA

HOW TO GET TO LUKLA WITHOUT FLYING

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK PERMITS & FEES

TREKKING INDEPENDENTLY

TREKKING WITH A GUIDE (& PORTER)

RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY

ACCOMMODATION ON THE EBC TREK

FOOD ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

SAFE DRINKING WATER

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL & CHARGING

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK COST & BUDGET

MONEY & ATMs ON THE EBC TREK

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE EBC TREK

ALTITUDE AWARENESS & AMS

TRAVEL INSURANCE

GETTING TO NEPAL

NEPAL TOURIST VISAS

Nepal visa on arrival process.

WHERE TO STAY IN KATHMANDU

BUDGET KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

Mid-range kathmandu accommodation, high-end kathmandu accommodation.

MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS & APPS

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you . This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We greatly appreciate your support!*

• DISTANCE | 120 -143 km depending on route taken (incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)
• DURATION | 12 – 15 days depending on route (incl. flying to/from Lukla)
• START/END | Lukla
• PERMITS REQUIRED | Khumbu Trek Card 2000 NPR; Sagarmatha National Park Fee 3000 NPR (SAARC nationals 1500 NPR / Nepali nationals 100 NPR)
• TREKKING SEASON | Best Seasons: April to Mid-May , October to Mid-November ; Shoulder Seasons: March, Late May, September, Mid-November to December ; Avoid: June to August, January to February
• TREK DIFFICULTY | Moderate (challenging if including Kongma La or Gokyo Lakes)
• ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS | +/- approx 7600 metres (Classic EBC Trek incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)
• MAX ALTITUDE | 5611 m (Kala Patthar) 
• GUIDE MANDATORY? | Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has stated that it is NOT mandatory to trek with a guide in the Khumbu region
• ACCOMMODATION | Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail
• TREK COST | $35 – $144 USD  per person, per day (budget independent trekker to fully inclusive package)
• RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY | Himalayan Masters , Quote HOGG5  for 5% discount

DISTANCE 120 -143 km depending on route taken (incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)

DURATION 12 – 15 days depending on route taken (incl. flying to/from Lukla)

START/END Lukla

PERMITS REQUIRED Khumbu Trek Card 2000 NPR Sagarmatha National Park Fee 3000 NPR (SAARC nationals 1500 NPR, Nepali nationals 100 NPR)

TREKKING SEASON Best Season April to Mid-May October to Mid-November Shoulder Seasons March, Late May, September Mid-November to December Months To Avoid June, July, August January and February

TREK DIFFICULTY Moderate (challenging if including Kongma La or Gokyo Lakes)

ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS +/- approx 7600 metres (Classic EBC Trek incl. acclimatisation/day hikes)

MAX ALTITUDE 5611 m (Kala Patthar)

GUIDE MANDATORY? Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has stated that it is NOT mandatory to trek with a guide in the Khumbu region

ACCOMMODATION Teahouses/Guesthouses in villages along the trail

TREK COST $35 – $145 USD  per person, per day (budget independent trekker to fully inclusive package)

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY Himalayan Masters , Quote HOGG5  for 5% discount

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKKING FILMS

Get a sense of the Everest Base Camp trekking route in our ‘silent hiking’ style ambient films.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

MAP & GPX DOWNLOAD

We have created a detailed Everest Base Camp trekking map to accompany this guide. It shows the Classic Everest Base Camp trekking route along with the alternative routes outlined in this guide, going via Khumjung and Phorste, Kongma La, and Cho La and Gokyo Lakes. The main side/acclimatisation hike options are included too, and the overland route between Salleri and Lukla is also marked.

Detailed stats and an elevation profile are included for each route section. Guesthouse settlements and tea shops are also marked, as well as key sights and practical info such as checkpoints, hospitals, and transport hubs. Guesthouses as per our own trek itinerary are marked, including info about prices and services, phone numbers (where possible), and a copy of the menu. Photos are included with almost every pin. 

You can use the digital map online, or download it for offline use with a mapping app such as Organic Maps, Maps.me or Gaia GPS. This is very helpful for navigation assistance on the trail. It allows you to quickly pinpoint key places and services along the way and calculate distances and elevation differences between destinations.

Note that while we’ve tried to be as accurate as possible when recording and mapping the route, changes on the ground are inevitable (especially on routes crossing glaciers) and this map should not be solely relied upon for navigation.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ELEVATION PROFILE

ELEVATION PROFILE

The image below shows the elevation profile of the Classic Everest Base Camp trek, starting and ending in Lukla. The route shown here includes the various acclimatisation and side hikes as outlined in the suggested itinerary below. Elevation is displayed in metres and distance in kilometres.

3D ROUTE MAP

Watch our 3D relief map video to visualise the landscape and get a sense of the Everest Base Camp trek.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

ITINERARY OPTIONS

There is more than one trekking route to Everest Base Camp . In this section we outline the Classic EBC trek itinerary, but also include three alternative itineraries which enable you to vary your route on the way to and from Base Camp and see much more of the Khumbu region.  

We have created an overview table for each of the Everest Base Camp trek itinerary options. These include trekking distances and approximate trekking times for each day (excluding lunch stops, breaks, etc), as well as stats on elevation gain/loss and sleeping altitude. For each itinerary the assumption is that you will fly into Lukla on the morning of Day 1 and start trekking. You will need to add 3 – 5 days if you plan to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lukla or vice versa. 

It is also possible to combine the following itineraries to create your own alternative EBC trek. For example, you could trek via Khumjung, Phortse and Kongma La on the way to EBC, or you could include both Kongma La and Gokyo Lakes. A few minor possible alternatives along the way are noted below each itinerary, such as alternate overnight stops.

If viewing the itinerary tables on a mobile device or tablet, scroll to the right to see the full table or flip your screen to landscape mode

CLASSIC EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY

A classic Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 11 nights/12 days, following the exact same route on the way to and from EBC. If you have limited time, this is the shortest itinerary you can follow while sticking to safe altitude ascent rates.

DAY 1 ALT. INFO*

*Alternatively, continue to Monjo (2830 m)  where fewer  people stay overnight  (a further 5.1 km, approx 2 hours trekking time) . Doing this means the trail will be less busy for both your Phakding to Monjo section, and the Monjo to Namche section the following morning.

DAY 4 ALT. INFO**

**Alternatively, continue to Pangboche (3950 m)  where fewer people stay overnight (a further 4.2 km, approx 1.5 hours trekking time). Pangboche is a lovely village with fantastic views of Ama Dablam, and there are many guesthouses. Tengboche, on the other hand, only has two guesthouses and it can be difficult to get a room here in peak season. Continuing to Pangboche also means the trail will be less busy for both your Tengboche to Pangboche section, and the Pangboche to Dingboche section the following morning.

DAYS 8 & 9 ALT. INFO***

***On days 8 and 9 the classic itinerary that most people follow is to visit EBC after lunch at Gorak Shep, then hike up Kala Patthar in the dark for sunrise the next morning (when it is bitterly cold). If you swap these two around as per the above suggested itinerary, you are guaranteed to have a less busy experience at both EBC and on the trail up Kala Patthar. As the skies are usually clearer in the morning you are also likely to have better views at EBC, however it is possible that the views from Kala Patthar will be obscured by afternoon clouds. If you’re lucky and have clear afternoon skies, then you will be treated to a fiery sunset glow on Everest and the surrounding mountains. If you hike up Kala Patthar in the morning, your mountain views will be brief as the sun rises directly behind Everest and you’ll soon be looking directly into the sun.

ALTERNATIVE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK ITINERARY VIA KHUMJUNG AND PHORTSE

Our first alternative Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 12 nights/13 days. This itinerary follows a different route between Namche Bazaar and Pangboche on the way to EBC, by trekking via Khumjung and Phortse. The overall difficulty of this route remains moderate, and the additional day allows you to explore more of the region and gives more time for acclimatisation. It’s also a great option for avoiding crowds during the peak trekking seasons, as far fewer people trek this alternative route.

DAYS 9 & 10 ALT. INFO**

**On days 8 and 9 the classic itinerary that most people follow is to visit EBC after lunch at Gorak Shep, then hike up Kala Patthar in the dark for sunrise the next morning (when it is bitterly cold). If you swap these two around as per the above suggested itinerary, you are guaranteed to have a less busy experience at both EBC and on the trail up Kala Patthar. As the skies are usually clearer in the morning you are also likely to have better views at EBC, however it is possible that the views from Kala Patthar will be obscured by afternoon clouds. If you’re lucky and have clear afternoon skies, then you will be treated to a fiery sunset glow on Everest and the surrounding mountains. If you hike up Kala Patthar in the morning, your mountain views will be brief as the sun rises directly behind Everest and you’ll soon be looking directly into the sun.

EVEREST BASE CAMP VIA KONGMA LA TREK ITINERARY

Our second alternative Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 13 nights/14 days. This changes the route taken between Dingboche and Lobuche on the way to EBC by crossing a high pass called Kongma La (5514 m). This section is more challenging than the rest of the route, but it offers incredible scenery and the chance to explore much quieter sections of trail than you’ll experience on the classic EBC route.

DAY 8 ALT. INFO**

***There are two viewpoints on the Chukhung Ri acclimatisation hike, the lower one (5380 m) which most people visit and the higher one (5516 m) which involves a tough and steep climb towards the end.

DAYS 10 & 11 ALT. INFO****

****On days 8 and 9 the classic itinerary that most people follow is to visit EBC after lunch at Gorak Shep, then hike up Kala Patthar in the dark for sunrise the next morning (when it is bitterly cold). If you swap these two around as per the above suggested itinerary, you are guaranteed to have a less busy experience at both EBC and on the trail up Kala Patthar. As the skies are usually clearer in the morning you are also likely to have better views at EBC, however it is possible that the views from Kala Patthar will be obscured by afternoon clouds. If you’re lucky and have clear afternoon skies, then you will be treated to a fiery sunset glow on Everest and the surrounding mountains. If you hike up Kala Patthar in the morning, your mountain views will be brief as the sun rises directly behind Everest and you’ll soon be looking directly into the sun.

EVEREST BASE CAMP AND GOKYO LAKES TREK ITINERARY

Our third alternative Everest Base Camp trek itinerary is 14 nights/15 days. This varies the route taken between Lobuche and Namche Bazaar on the way back from EBC, by crossing a high pass called Cho La (5368 m) and descending via the spectacular Gokyo Lakes. Again, this route is more challenging than the classic or first alternative EBC itineraries we suggest, due to the extra distance and overall elevation gain. However, it is a highly rewarding trek which includes some of the most spectacular locations in the Khumbu region. The sections of trail that you must repeat on the way to and from EBC are kept to an absolute minimum on this itinerary.

IMPORTANCE OF BUFFER DAYS

Building in buffer days to your Everest Base Camp itinerary is highly recommended, especially if you plan on flying to/from Lukla. Flights are regularly cancelled due to poor weather conditions, sometimes for a number of days. If everything runs smoothly, it takes half a day or less to get to/from Lukla at the start/end of your trek. However, if flights are not operating, it can take up to 3 days to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lukla, using a mixture of buses and jeeps, and by trekking too. Therefore, it’s wise to have at least 3 or 4 days between the end of your planned trek itinerary and any international flight. This would allow you time to get from Lukla to Kathmandu overland if necessary.

Of course, a delay could also happen at the start of your trek while trying to get to Lukla, and this might leave you struggling to catch up with your original itinerary. Having a couple of buffer days built in will mean you don’t have to drastically alter your itinerary, avoiding the need to walk extra long distances to save a day or skipping places because you don’t have time.

Buffer days also allow you to alter your itinerary on the go more easily. For example, if you get sick and need to spend an extra night somewhere,  or the weather is bad and you want to wait it out before continuing your trek, then you have the extra days on hand.

It’s worth knowing that should everything go to plan and you don’t need to use any buffer days during your trek, it’s straightforward for a trekking agency to change the date of your flight, bringing it forward a few days for example. However, this is not so easy if you have booked your flight online, independently.

OUR RECOMMENDED TREKKING AGENCY

We partnered with  Himalayan Masters for our Langtang Valley, Gosainkunda, EBC and Everest Three Passes treks, and found them to be professional and committed to a high level of service

To enquire about booking your own trek, get in touch via email at [email protected] and mention the code HOGG5 to get a 5% discount off the cost of your trip

ROUTE SUMMARY

LUKLA TO NAMCHE BAZAAR

The first two days of the Everest Base Camp trek are repeated in reverse on the final day of the trek. With only one route connecting Lukla and Namche Bazaar, unfortunately there’s no avoiding this. 

This section of the trek passes through numerous villages and teahouse settlements, the last of which is Jorsale, shortly beyond the entrance to Sagarmatha National Park. There are five suspension bridges to cross, including the 125 metre high Hillary Bridge, and numerous smaller fixed metal bridges. The Khumbu Trek Card Registration desk (where you get your Khumbu Trek Card and pay your Sagarmatha NP entrance fee) is shortly beyond Lukla, and there are further checkpoints at Toc Toc, Monjo, and just before Namche Bazaar.

The route follows a mixture of wide stone paths, riverside paths, and forest trail, with plenty of up and down along the way. There is one notable ascent, a 700 metre climb immediately after crossing the Hillary Suspension Bridge, on the last stretch before Namche. This section is a pleasant couple of days and a good introduction to the trek, with greenery and the chance to see colourful rhododendrons and blossoms in spring, plenty of scenic river views, and a definite buzz thanks to all the people coming and going and the numerous villages dotting the trail.

With only one route up and down to Namche, traffic jams are common along this section, with trekkers, porters, and pack mules, yaks and their handlers all sharing the same trail. Bottlenecks are particularly common at suspension bridges and on the steep climb up to Namche. Be sure to wait on the side of the trail without a drop-off when letting pack animals pass, and don’t start crossing a bridge if you can see them coming in the opposite direction – let them cross first. Finally, stick to the left side when walking by any mani stones, mani walls and prayer wheels, as it’s both common practice and culturally appropriate.

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 1 and 2 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

The Hillary Suspension Bridge as seen from the valley floor, with the old bridge still in place below

NAMCHE BAZAAR ACCLIMATISATION DAY

It’s important to acclimatise properly throughout your Everest Base Camp trek. This allows your body time to get used to the ever-increasing altitude as you ascend to 5000 metres and above. Building in rest days, staying well hydrated, and going on acclimatisation hikes (where you climb higher during the day but sleep lower at night) are all good ways of helping your body acclimatise.

Unless you are already acclimatised (for example you have been at altitudes of 4000 metres and higher within the previous week), spending a second night at Namche Bazaar is highly recommended and this is standard on virtually all Everest Base Camp trek itineraries. You should do this even if it seems like you feel physically fine. 

The most common destination for an acclimatisation hike from Namche Bazaar is the Hotel Everest View (3880 m) , where you can get lunch or a drink and enjoy fantastic views from the terrace. It takes around 3 hours to hike up to the hotel and back down again. A must-visit on the way is Sagarmatha Next , a learning / experience / visitor centre and gallery championing waste management solutions for the Khumbu region. 

Morning view over Namche Bazaar from the northeast

Morning view of Namche Bazaar from the northeast

For a longer hike and the chance to see more of the local area, doing a loop via Khumjung is a great option. Khumjung is the largest Sherpa village in the region, with an impressive monastery and a school founded by Edmund Hillary in 1960. The original classroom is now the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Centre , another great place to visit and learn about the Khumbu region. The loop hike (including Hotel Everest View) is around 7.5 km, and you should allow up to 5 hours for the hike. It’s also possible to include a visit to Khunde village, home to another monastery. This would extend the loop route to around 9.1 km and you should allow up to 6 hours.   

If you plan to overnight at Khumjung on day 4 of your trek, following the ‘Alternative Everest Base Camp Itinerary’ outlined above, you might want to opt for a shorter Namche acclimatisation hike. Hiking 100 metres up to the helipad on the western side of the village is a good choice. There is an excellent view over Namche from here, where you can see it curving around the sloping hillside in amphitheatre-like fashion.

Various Namche acclimatisation hiking routes are marked on our EBC Trek map .

CLASSIC ROUTE VIA TENGBOCHE

This two-day section of the Everest Base Camp trek offers fantastic mountain scenery and a beautiful trekking trail, passing through forest and open hillside. There is one notable big climb between Phunki Thanga and Tengboche but otherwise the trail is mostly straightforward, with just a few short steep sections, and plenty of flat, undulating, or gentle climbs. There are a handful of small villages along the route, two suspension bridges, a checkpoint at Phunki Thanga, and an impressive monastery at Tengboche which is well worth visiting (daily 7am – 8am, 9am – 11am, and 1pm – 5:30pm, monks chanting at 3pm). After Pangboche you are more or less above the treeline, surrounded by imposing mountains and expansive views.

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 4 and 5 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

Trekkers pass through Shomare on the way to Dingboche, with the twin peaks of Ama Dablam rising behind

Trekkers pass through the village of Shomare on the way to Dingboche, with the twin peaks of Ama Dablam rising behind

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA KHUMJUNG AND PHORTSE

This three-day route section follows an alternative trail between Namche and Pangboche before joining the classic Everest Base Camp trail for the final stretch to Dingboche. Opting for this itinerary allows you to vary your route on the way to and from EBC and take advantage of much quieter trails. Plus, the extra day allows for a slower ascent pace, which is a good option for anyone who knows they are slow to acclimatise or prefers to follow a more cautious itinerary.

This route climbs initially to Khumjung, the largest Sherpa village in the region, then stays above the ‘Classic EBC’ route to Pangboche, offering fantastic views throughout. There is a small guesthouse settlement at Mong La (3970 m) which is the highest point on the way to Phortse, a scenic village with a number of guesthouses, local homes, and the Khumbu Climbing Centre . 

There is plenty of up and down on this section of the trek, with some notable climbs to Khumjung, Mong La, and both before and after Phortse. However, this route is not considerably more challenging than the ‘Classic EBC’ route, especially as it is split over three days instead of two. 

Spending two nights at Dingboche, a sizeable village situated at 4300 m, is advisable in order to ensure you ascend to very high altitude at a safe rate. Going on an acclimatisation hike is also an important part of acclimatising to such altitudes, and Nangkartshang Peak (5039 m) is a great option. This hill rises to the north of Dingboche and there are fantastic views throughout the climb, especially of Ama Dablam. There is an obvious path all the way to the rocky top, which is festooned with prayer flags and spacious enough for plenty of people. The 766 metre climb should take around 2.5 – 3 hours, with the descent about half that. It’s advisable to start early (around 7:30am) for the best chance of clear views and calm conditions. 

After a 760 metre climb, people rest and enjoy the views at the prayer flags on Nangkartshang

For a longer and less busy acclimatisation hike, a great option is the side hike up the valley to the east of Dingboche to Chukhung Village and Chukhung Ri, a viewpoint situated at 5380 m. The views from Chukhung Ri are fantastic, looking back down the valley and across to an impressive ice wall, and you’ll be surrounded by numerous majestic snowy peaks including Lhotse, Nuptse, Island Peak and Ama Dablam. Allow up to 8 hours for this return hike.

Plenty of outstanding views to appreciate while hiking up to Chukhung Ri

Plenty of outstanding views to stop and appreciate while hiking up to Chukhung Ri

Whichever acclimatisation hike you decide to do, ensure you have plenty of water, snacks, and warm layers with you.

For more detail about these hikes, see Day 6 (Nangkartshang) and Day 8 (Chukhung Ri) of our Three Passes Route Guide.

CLASSIC ROUTE

If you’re following the Classic EBC route you’ll trek from Dingboche to Base Camp over 2 – 2.5 days, spending a night at Lobuche and then at Gorak Shep. From Gorak Shep you’ll do a return hike to EBC. Most people also include a side hike to Kala Patthar, the highest point of the trek at 5611 m, where you can get a view of Mt Everest (which isn’t actually visible from Base Camp.) 

The route heads up the valley to the northwest of Dingboche, climbs to Thok La pass, then heads northeast, running parallel to the Khumbu Glacier all the way to Base Camp. It’s a gradual ascent for most of the way, but at these altitudes (4300 m – 5300 m) even a gentle climb can take your breath away. The climb to Thok La on the way to Lobuche, the short but steep climb on the way to Gorak Shep, and the undulating rocky glacier section immediately before Gorak Shep are among the most challenging sections.

The views are wonderful throughout and the final sight of Everest Base Camp, encircled by soaring peaks, is a memorable one. This is especially true if you’re trekking during the peak climbing season, when a sea of tents sprawls across the glacier at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall – seen from the trail, these tiny yellow dots emphasise the enormity of the surroundings even more.

First sight of Everest Base Camp from the trail

Posing for the obligatory photo on the ‘EBC Rock’

Seen from the Kala Patthar trail about 30 minutes before sunset , the clouds part to reveal the summit of Mount Everest (8849 m)

Lobuche is a small settlement of guesthouses on the edge of the Khumbu Glacier, a very busy spot where everyone going to and from EBC stops for food and/or spends the night. Gorak Shep is even smaller, busier, and more basic with just four guesthouses and no good water supply. 

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 10 and 11 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA KONGMA LA

This alternative route to Everest Base Camp is a three day trek between Dingboche and Lobuche, via Chukhung, Chukhung Ri and Kongma La. At Lobuche you rejoin the classic route for the final section to Gorak Shep, Kala Patthar and EBC. This is part of the Everest Three Passes trek and is a challenging but very rewarding addition to the EBC trek. With far fewer people trekking this route compared to the Classic EBC route, you can expect the trail to be much quieter.

The route follows  a gently ascending trail up the scenic valley to the northeast of Dingboche before reaching the small guesthouse settlement of Chukhung. It’s advisable to spend two nights here, using the extra day for an acclimatisation hike to the spectacular viewpoint of Chukhung Ri (5380 m) before crossing Kongma La the following day. The scenery around the village is very dramatic, as are the views seen throughout the hike to Chukhung Ri, with Ama Dablam rising to the south, Island Peak to the east, and Lhotse and Nuptse to the north, along with countless other peaks and the dramatic ice wall of the Chukhung Glacier.

The trek to Kongma La (5514 m) involves a long ascent but other than a couple of short steep sections, it’s mostly a steady climb, and the landscape is striking. From the pass you have incredible 360 degree views and you can see all the way down to Lobuche, a small cluster of buildings on the far side of the rocky Khumbu Glacier. The descent is somewhat steep and slippery at first due to loose dirt, shale, and small rocks, but becomes less steep as you work your way down to the eastern side of the glacier. The final section, crossing the glacier itself, involves plenty of up and down as you work your way across jumbled rocks and around small glacial lakes; on the other side, a final downhill stretch leads to Lobuche.

For more detail about this section of the route, see Days 7 – 9 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

On the final approach to Kongma La

The Classic Everest Base Camp trekking route follows the same trail on the return to Namche Bazaar, covering the distance in three days with overnights at Pheriche, Namche, and Lukla. As you drop in altitude more oxygen flows through your blood and the physical strain on your body reduces. This combined with the fact that you no longer need to think about acclimatisation enables you to cover a much greater daily distance than on previous days. The return section of the trek is not all downhill however, and three 17 – 19 km days in a row can be very tiring!

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA CHO LA AND GOKYO LAKES

An alternative route connects Lobuche and Namche Bazaar via Cho La and Gokyo Lakes. This turns your trek into a loop hike commonly known as the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes trek. Following this route over six days, you’ll cross Cho La (5368 m), a high pass to the west of Lobuche, descend from the pass and traverse the rocky Ngozumpa Glacier to reach Gokyo and a string of brilliant blue lakes, then follow the Gokyo Valley back to Namche where you’ll join the trail to Lukla. The route takes in some of the best scenery in the Khumbu region and is a fantastic alternative to the Classic EBC trek, although definitely more challenging with the addition of the high pass. 

This route diverges from the classic trail a little south of Lobuche, working its way around a hillside to the northwest to reach the small guesthouse settlement of Dzonglha. The ascent to Cho La on the next morning is initially gradual, after which there are a couple of steep sections and the crossing of an icy glacier (microspikes recommended) just before the pass. The descent starts off steeply (aided by a fixed metal rope) before becoming more gradual as it works its way down the valley to the guesthouses at Dragnag (Thangnak). On the following morning* you have to cross the Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, with a rocky, undulating trail passing small glacial lakes to reach Gokyo on the other side. The descent onto and climb off the glacier is quite steep.

*If you are looking to save a day it is possible to continue to Gokyo after crossing Cho La, without spending the night at Dragnag (Thangnak). It will very much depend on your energy levels and the weather conditions on the day.  

Trekkers crossing the icy glacier towards Cho La (5368 m), the rocky dip ahead

Gokyo, a medium-sized teahouse village, sits on the western side of the glacier, on the shores of Dudh Pokhari, or Gokyo 3rd Lake. The setting is beautiful. You can visit the 4th Lake on a side hike to the north, and climb the steep trail to Gokyo Ri early the next morning for some of the most impressive views in the region. The return to Namche Bazaar is via the Gokyo valley, following the Dudh Koshi river. A good option is to break your journey at the small village of Dole, then continue beyond Namche to overnight at Monjo before the final stretch back to Lukla. 

Early morning at Gokyo

Beyond Dole the trail descends towards Phortse Tenga, then climbs to Mong La, on the same route as outlined in the ‘Alternative Route via Khumjung and Phortse’ section. From Mong La it’s possible to descend all the way to Sanasa and take the same trail back to Namche that you followed on the way to Tengboche, or stay higher and follow a trail to the large Sherpa village of Khumjung before descending to Namche. The route between Namche and Lukla is the same as at the start of the trek. 

For more detail about the Everest Base Camp to Gokyo section of the route, see Days 11 – 15 of our Everest Three Passes Route Guide .

SEE MORE FROM NEPAL

Everest Base Camp Trek: The Essential Guide

Everest Three Passes Trekking Route Guide

Everest Three Passes Trek: The Essential Guide

Gosainkunda Helambu Trekking Route Guide

Gosainkunda Trek: The Essential Guide

Langtang Valley Trekking Route Guide

Langtang Valley Trek: The Essential Guide

What To Pack For Trekking In Nepal

Upper Mustang Trek: The Essential Guide

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary: A Day By Day Account

Annapurna Circuit Trek: The Essential Guide

Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Day By Day Account

Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Essential Guide

Manaslu Circuit Trek Itinerary: A Day By Day Account

Everest base camp trekking season.

TREKKING SEASON

Like many treks in Nepal , the peak seasons for trekking the Everest Base Camp route are April to mid-May and October to mid-November . These months typically offer the best chance of both clear skies and warmer temperatures, although weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable in Nepal and across the world, so you should still be prepared for snow and colder temperatures during these periods.

The spring trekking season coincides with the Everest climbing season , so the Khumbu region is very busy with helicopters and yaks transporting supplies to Everest Base Camp. If trekking at this time, you will have the chance to see base camp fully set up with all the tents, and there is a great buzz about the place. Outside of the climbing season, there are no tents or any other infrastructure at EBC.

Trekkers crossing the moraine-covered glacier between Lobuche and Gorak Shep on a clear skies spring morning

Trekkers crossing the moraine-covered glacier before Gorak Shep on a clear spring morning

In autumn, expect less wind and higher temperatures than in spring, while in late March and April, blooming rhododendrons and other spring flowers are a beautiful sight at some lower elevations.

The shoulder seasons are March, May, September and mid-November to December. During these times it can be much quieter on the trail. There is typically cold weather in March and December. In March there is a high chance of lingering or fresh snow. December typically has sunny weather and clear skies throughout the day. In late May and early September there is a higher chance of early or lingering monsoon rains and cloudy skies.

The summer months of June, July, and August coincide with the monsoon season . Trekking during this period means lots of walking in rain, muddy trails, leeches, and poor visibility with clouds obscuring the surrounding mountains. Many guesthouses close during this period, and it is not a good time to trek. Flights to and from Lukla are likely to be cancelled regularly and for days at a time.

The winter months of January and February are considered too cold by most to trek and many guesthouses are closed.

PLAN A TREK IN THE LANGTANG VALLEY

PLAN YOUR LANGTANG VALLEY TREK WITH OUR COMPLETE GUIDE

DETAILED TRAIL NOTES AND OTHER INFO FOR THE LANGTANG TREK

Lukla is the gateway for all treks in the Khumbu region, including Everest Base Camp, Everest Three Passes , and Gokyo Lakes. Nestled in the mountains at 2855 m, the closest dirt-road access is approximately 1 day’s walk away, with a tarmac road 3+ days’ walk away. The majority of people arrive in Lukla by air, landing at the small runway or helicopter pad at Tenzing-Hillary Airport (LUA). If you prefer not to fly, it’s possible to get to Lukla overland in 3+ days, by taking a bus/jeep then trekking on foot.

FLYING TO LUKLA

Flights to Lukla operate year-round from either Kathmandu or Ramechhap/Manthali (approx 4 hours’ drive from Kathmandu), although cancellations and delays are common as flights can only run in favourable weather conditions. The flight time is 30 minutes from Kathmandu, and 15 minutes from Ramechhap/Manthali. The Lukla runway is just 527 metres long and is sloped at an 11.7% gradient, making taking off and landing challenging for pilots and a little daunting for passengers.

Flights are operated by Tara (Yeti) Air , Summit Air , and Sita Air , with each company using small 15 seater twin propeller planes . Flights usually only operate in the morning, when the skies are clearer and there is less wind. There is a weight limit of 10 kg checked baggage + 5 kg hand baggage . The cabin is not pressurised and it’s very noisy. There are no assigned seats. For the best mountain views, try to sit on the left while flying to Lukla and the right on the return flight.

During peak trekking and climbing seasons , Lukla flights operate to and from Ramechhap/Manthali in order to ease congestion at Kathmandu Airport. The dates change annually, but this is roughly April 1st – May 20th and September 20th – November 20th . See below for how to get from Kathmandu to Ramechhap/Manthali.

The runway at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, sloped at an 11.7% gradient and just 527 metres long

The runway at Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, on an 11.7% gradient and just 527 metres long

Flight tickets cost $180 one way from Kathmandu and $152 one way from Ramechhap/Manthali . You can book online directly with the airline, or via an agency in Kathmandu. If you are booking an inclusive trekking package, for example with our recommended local trekking agency Himalayan Masters , your flight will be organised for you. Booking the earliest possible flight time is best as clouds tend to move in and the wind picks up through the morning, with later flights more likely to be cancelled. Note that agencies sometimes have access to earlier flights than are available to book online.

It is free of charge to change your flight date (in advance by calling the airline or in person at the airport) and it’s a good idea to reconfirm the day before you fly to avoid being bumped onto a later flight. Again, if you have booked through a trekking agency, they can take care of any flight changes and reconfirmations for you. This makes the whole process much more straightforward than if you have booked independently (especially if you’re trying to make changes while trekking with limited phone service or internet connection).

Be aware that it can be a bit chaotic at the airport and being bumped onto a different flight time and/or standing around confused about what’s happening is pretty normal. The situation is certainly easier to manage if you are with a guide, who will be used to the process, speaks the local language, and will take care of everything for you.

FLYING TO PHAPLU/SALLERI

Sometimes when flights can’t depart for Lukla, there is an option to fly to Phaplu (2 km north of Salleri) instead. From Phaplu it’s possible to trek to Lukla in about 3 days, or you can take a jeep as far as Thamdada (subject to road conditions) and trek the remaining distance to Lukla in 1 day.

See stages 2 and 3 in the ‘how to get to Lukla without flying’ section below for more details.

HOW TO GET FROM KATHMANDU TO RAMECHHAP AIRPORT (MANTHALI)

You can get from Kathmandu to Ramechhap Airport (RHP) (also known as Manthali) by public bus, shuttle bus, or private car. The journey takes around 4 hours.

Public buses depart between approx 0600 – 1100 from Ratna Park (also known as Old Bus Park) near Thamel, costing approx 600 NPR  ($4.50 USD). The journey takes around 4 – 5 hours. You will need to spend one night at a guesthouse in Manthali before flying to Lukla the following morning. There are guesthouses within walking distance of Ramechhap Airport. You can just show up and buy a bus ticket on the day. Buses arrive at the Manthali Bus Park .

Shuttle buses depart from the Thamel area of Kathmandu at 0130 and 0200, allowing you to fly to Lukla the same morning. They also depart at 1100, if you prefer to travel during the day and spend one night in Manthali before flying to Lukla. The journey takes about 4 hours. You must make a reservation in advance. You can do this via a local agency, ask staff at your accommodation to help, or book online via Viator or Get Your Guide . Tickets cost up to $30 USD.

A private car costs approx 14000 NPR ($100 USD), which can be shared by up to 4 passengers. The road condition does not require a jeep/4×4 vehicle. The journey takes about 4 hours, with door-to-door service. You can book a private car via a local agency or ask staff at your accommodation to help organise it.

For the return journey from Ramechhap/Manthali to Kathmandu you must pre-arrange your shuttle transfer or private car transfer. If travelling back to Kathmandu by public bus, you should be able to get one from the Manthali Bus Park after arriving on the flight from Lukla.

HELICOPTER TO LUKLA

It is also possible to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla by helicopter. Helicopters can often fly in weather conditions that would ground twin propellor planes, they are generally considered safer, and they operate out of Kathmandu Airport year-round (unlike planes which only depart from Ramechhap/Manthali during peak season). Flying by helicopter is considerably more expensive though, costing around $500 USD one way per person (assuming there are enough people to fill five seats). You can book via a local travel or trekking agency, or book online in advance via Viator .

Morning mountain views on the helicopter ride to Lukla

Morning mountain views on the helicopter ride

It’s possible to get to Lukla without flying by using a combination of bus and/or jeep and trekking. This takes 3 – 5 days. Eventually there will be a road built all the way to Lukla, but for now the closest you can possibly get by jeep on a dirt road is Thamdada (1 day walk to Lukla), and by bus or jeep on a sealed road is Salleri/Phaplu (3 – 4 days’ walk to Lukla). Buses and jeeps stop for food and toilet breaks along the way. As the road between Salleri/Phaplu and Thamdada is unsealed, its condition can vary greatly depending on how much rain there has been. Sometimes it’s not possible to drive all the way to Thamdada, and you may only be able to reach Bupsa, Kharikhola, or Adderi.

Although it may be possible to get all the way from Kathmandu to Thamdada in one day, we do not recommend this as it means travelling on a dirt road with challenging hairpin bends and steep sections in the dark. Instead, it’s advisable to spend one night in Salleri where there are lots of guesthouses and travel to Thamdada the following day. At Thamdada, there is a guesthouse (Kare Hotel) at the jeep stop and two more approximately 25 minutes’ walk from the jeep stop. Additionally, there are many more guesthouses at Paiyu, which is around 2 hours’ walk away. It’s also possible to stop shortly before Thamdada to stay at a guesthouse in Kare (approx 1 hours’ walk to Thamdada).

The trekking route from Salleri to Lukla goes via Ringmu, Nunthala, Kharikhola, Bupsa, Kari La (Thamdada), Paiyu and Surke. Common overnight stops are at Nunthala, Bupsa, and Surke, after which you join the classic Lukla (or Cheplung) to Namche Bazaar route. There is a lot of elevation gain and loss on the Salleri to Lukla trekking route, so expect plenty of tiring up and down. The driving route from Salleri to Thamdada goes via Adderi and joins the trekking route shortly before Kharikhola.

KATHMANDU TO LUKLA OVERLAND STAGES

Step 1 // drive kathmandu to salleri/phaplu.

9 – 12 hours travel time (mostly sealed road); Phaplu is about 2 km north of Salleri

B us is approx 1700 NPR ($13 USD); departs from Chabahil Chowk (approx 0430) or from Koteshwor Chowk (approx 0500); no advance booking required

Shared Jeep is approx 2600 NPR ($20 USD) per person; d eparts from Chabahil Chowk and Koteshwor Chowk ( approx 0500); b est to reserve seat in advance (ask local travel agency or accommodation staff)

Private Jeep is approx $280 (can be shared between up to 7 people); d oor-to-door service, depart any time in morning; b ook via a local travel/trekking agency

STEP 2 // DRIVE SALLERI/PHAPLU TO THAMDADA (or Bupsa, Kharikhola, Adderi or elsewhere depending on road condition)

6 – 7 hours travel time (unsealed road)

Shared Jeep is approx 2600 NPR ($20 USD) per person; d eparts approx 0600; b est to reserve seat in advance; (ask your accommodation owner to book when you arrive in Salleri)

Private Jeep is approx $235 (can be shared between up to 7 people); d oor-to-door service, depart any time in the morning; b ook in advance in Kathmandu via a local travel/trekking agency

STEP 3 // TREK THAMDADA TO LUKLA OR CHEPLUNG

You can bypass Lukla itself and join the trail to Namche at Cheplung instead (you can get your Khumbu Trek Card from the checkpoint at Toc Toc as you will not pass the checkpoint at Lukla). There is a lot of up and down on this section. It is possible to cover the distance over two days if you prefer, staying at a guesthouse along the way (for example at Chheubas or Surke). The route and villages/guesthouses along the way are marked on our map .

To Lukla: 13.3 km | approx 7 hours trekking time | +1870 m / – 1744 m

To Cheplung: 13.9 km | approx 7 hours trekking time | +1785 m / – 1825 m

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK PERMIT AND FEES

PERMIT AND FEES

You need two permits for the Everest Base Camp trek. Both are issued locally in the Khumbu region so you don’t need to organise permits in advance in Kathmandu. You will need your passport and the fee in cash in Nepalese rupees.

Keep your permits in a safe place as you will need to show them at various checkpoints during the trek.

KHUMBU TREK CARD

Issued at checkpoint (Lukla or Toc Toc)

C an register in advance online (not mandatory)

SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK FEE

(1500 NPR SAARC nationals/ 100 NPR Nepali nationals)

Pay at checkpoint in Lukla or NP entrance beyond Monjo

TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP INDEPENDENTLY

The Nepal Tourism Board announced on March 9th 2023 that as of April 1st 2023, all international trekkers in Nepal are required to hire a licenced trekking guide and obtain the TIMS card through an authorised trekking agency registered with the government of Nepal.

However, the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has confirmed that it is NOT mandatory to trek with a guide in the Khumbu region. This means that you do not need to have a guide for the Everest Base Camp trek , or indeed for any other trek in the region such as the Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes treks. We have included copies of the official press release from April 2nd 2023 and an info card from September 2023 stating that a guide is not mandatory in the Khumbu region. You can check the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Facebook page for any further updates.

PROS AND CONS OF INDEPENDENT TREKKING IN NEPAL

While having a guide in the Khumbu region is not mandatory, this does not mean that trekking to EBC independently is the right decision for you, especially if you are an inexperienced high altitude trekker. If you are thinking about doing the Everest Base camp trek without a guide, here are a few thoughts on the pros and cons of independent trekking in Nepal. 

This is the cheapest way to trek to Everest Base Camp. You won’t have to pay for anything extra beyond your daily food and accommodation costs, permit fee, and transport to/from the trailhead.

You have complete freedom and flexibility. You can choose how long to trek for each day, what route to take and where to stay. If you like somewhere, you can choose to stay an extra day without having to consult anyone else or consider their needs.

It is easier to enjoy a bit of ‘alone time’ on the trail. If you are trekking with a guide or group it can be harder or more awkward to branch out and enjoy walking alone with your thoughts.

You’ll likely have more interaction with locals. If you are trekking with a guide it is common practice for them to deal with everything at your guesthouse and act as a go-between. It’s normal for your guide to take your order, bring out your food, and settle up the bill on your behalf, which means you may have little interaction with the owner or staff yourself. But, you’ll be doing all that by yourself if you trek independently.

With freedom and flexibility comes more responsibility and the need to do more research, preparation and daily planning. You will need to spend time organising things both on and off the trail. You will need to sort out all the logistics like your permit, transport, and accommodation by yourself, and be confident in your route planning and navigation. 

You are more vulnerable in an emergency situation or if you get sick. This is especially true if you are trekking solo. You should prepare as best you can with a comprehensive medical kit, emergency contact numbers at the ready, and ideally an emergency communication device like the Garmin inReach .

In peak trekking season you may find it harder to get a room. Many guesthouses prefer bigger groups with organised companies and will give preference to them over independent solo trekkers or those in small groups. Guides with existing local contacts often call ahead to book rooms, something which isn’t as easy for independent trekkers with no personal contacts. Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep all have limited accommodation options and it’s not uncommon for guesthouses here to be full during the peak seasons. 

You miss out on all the insights a knowledgeable, English speaking guide can offer. Your understanding of the region, and Nepal in general, is likely to be much broader after spending two weeks in the company of a Nepali guide rather than going it alone.

This is the cheapest way to trek the Everest Base Camp. You won’t have to pay for anything extra beyond your daily food and accommodation costs, permit fee, and transport to/from the trailhead. 

You have complete freedom and flexibility. You can choose how long to trek for each day, what route to take and where to stay. If you like somewhere, you can choose to stay an extra day without having to consult anyone else or consider their needs. 

It is easier to enjoy a bit of ‘alone time’ on the trail. If you are trekking with a guide or group it can be harder or more awkward to branch out and enjoy walking alone with your thoughts. 

In peak trekking season you may find it harder to get a room. Many guesthouses prefer bigger groups with organised companies and will give preference to them over independent solo trekkers or those in small groups. Guides with existing local contacts often call ahead to book rooms, something which isn’t as easy for independent trekkers with no personal contacts. Tengboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep all have limited accommodation options and it’s not uncommon for guesthouses here to be full during the peak seasons.

TREKKING EVEREST BASE CAMP WITH A GUIDE (AND PORTER)

TREKKING WITH A GUIDE (AND PORTER)

Although not mandatory, many people choose to do the Everest Base Camp trek with a guide, and often with a porter too. If you are an inexperienced high altitude trekker we would absolutely recommend hiring a guide for this trek, but even if you are experienced, trekking with a guide is a great option. Not only can a guide be invaluable when it comes to your safety, a guide can also enrich your experience on the trail, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture, and geography of the land. Hiring a porter to carry your bag will put less strain on your body, making your trek much easier and perhaps allowing you to better enjoy the surroundings. Hiring a guide and/or porter also provides jobs and supports the trekking tourism economy.

One guide can accompany a maximum of five trekkers. A porter shouldn’t be asked to carry more than 25 kg, ideally no more than 20 kg. If you pack appropriately, one porter can carry two trekkers’ bags. Ensure that your guide and porter have appropriate clothing and equipment for the trail, including warm clothing for high altitudes (a down jacket, hat, gloves), boots, sunglasses, and waterproofs.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TREKKING WITH A GUIDE

If you are doing the Everest Base Camp trek with a guide you may meet them in either Kathmandu or Lukla. If you meet in Kathmandu, you will travel to the trailhead together and return to Kathmandu together at the end. Professional guides in Nepal are both licenced and insured, and will speak English (sometimes other languages too).

During your trek a guide will walk with you on the trail, suggest the best spots to stop for lunch, and take you to their recommended overnight accommodation. At busy times, they may call ahead and pre-book a room for you. They will act as your go-between at each guesthouse, arranging your room, taking your food orders, and settling the bill. It’s normal for a guide to run through the following day’s itinerary each evening, giving you an overview of the trail, trekking time, and any other relevant information.

A guide can help with many practical things, provide insight into local culture, and be a good companion on the trail

Your guide will always be around at your guesthouse, but they won’t stick by you constantly. You will have plenty of freedom to hang out in your room or the dining room, read your book, chat with other guests, play cards, etc. Guides sleep and eat in the same guesthouse as you, always in a separate room. A guide’s meals and accommodation are usually provided free of charge by guesthouses in exchange for their trekking clients’ custom. If a guesthouse is busy, your guide may share a room with other guides or be obliged to sleep in the dining room.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TREKKING WITH A PORTER

If you’re doing the Everest Base Camp trek with a porter, you will usually meet them locally at the start of your trek. It is not common for porters to travel with you from Kathmandu due to the expense of getting to/from the Khumbu region. Trekking agencies usually have a pool of porters that they work with regularly and can arrange a porter as part of any trekking package. As porters usually do not speak English, your guide will communicate and organise the day-to-day logistics with your porter during the trek.

Porters often go at their own pace so you won’t always trek with them. It’s common to pack your bag and have it ready for them before breakfast, and for your bag to already be in your room when you arrive at your guesthouse for the evening.

A porter putting in the hard work on the Everest Base Camp Trek

CONDITIONS FOR PORTERS IN THE KHUMBU REGION

Conditions for trekking porters across Nepal are far from ideal, however they are particularly poor in the Khumbu region. Unlike in other trekking regions, guesthouse owners in the Khumbu do not permit porters to sleep or eat in their guesthouses alongside trekkers and guides (with the exception of a rare few based on our own experience). Instead, porters sleep and eat at designated Nepali hotels or porter shelters in each village or teahouse settlement in the Khumbu region. Also, unlike in other regions, porters in the Khumbu must pay for their meals, with a large proportion of their daily wage being spent on food.

The conditions in which porters sleep, often in one dormitory-style room with up to 100 or more porters, are much more basic than those experienced by trekkers and guides in guesthouses. Sometimes porter accommodation is full, and porters must walk to a different village to find available accommodation, returning to meet their trekking clients in the morning. This is especially common at Lobuche and Gorak Shep, where limited accommodation means that porters often have to walk for hours, back to Thukla or Pheriche to spend the night before returning early the next morning.

You can read more in the informative paper ‘ Uphill Struggle: Impediments and Facilitators to Porter Health in the Khumbu Region ’ by Nate Barott (2018).

Porters stop for a break at Lawi Schyasa, between Namche Bazaar and Tengboche on the Everest Base Camp trail

HOW TO ORGANISE AN EVEREST BASE CAMP TREKKING GUIDE (AND PORTER)

The easiest way to arrange a trekking guide is via a trekking agency . You can book an inclusive Everest Base Camp trekking package which covers your transport, entrance fees, guide (and porter), accommodation costs, and three meals a day. Alternatively, you can pay for a guide (and porter) only, and then pay-as-you-go for your accommodation, food, transport, and entrance fees (although this involves more day-to-day hassle than opting for an inclusive package).

Choosing a trekking agency is often the trickiest part as there are thousands of registered agencies in Nepal and the quality of service can vary greatly between them. Many trekkers will choose a guide or agency based on a trusted recommendation from a friend or fellow trekker, and this is a good approach. An alternative option is to visit a number of trekking agencies in person when you arrive in Thamel (Kathmandu) to get a feel for a company that you like, or to contact agencies online in advance.

Having trekked with three different agencies and three different guides on three visits to Nepal, our best experience has been with Himalayan Masters . We partnered with them for our Langtang , Gosainkunda Helambu , and Everest Base Camp and Three Passes treks, and found them to be very professional, committed to a high level of service, and competitively priced.

We really appreciate the fact that Sandip, the agency owner, is super flexible when it comes to itinerary amendments that don’t just follow the norm. He’s also a problem solver and what we’d call a real ‘go-getter’, a trait that’s highly valuable to his clients, whether he’s retrieving a swallowed bank card from a Thamel ATM in record time, or fixing logistical issues when things go wrong last minute at 2am (both real life examples experienced by us or fellow Himalayan Masters clients we met on the trail!).

We’d also highly recommend our Himalayan Masters guide, Govinda Rai, who we spent over a month trekking with in Nepal. He is very professional, taking care of everything you would expect from a guide, but also tailoring his suggestions and advice specifically to his clients, resulting in a more enjoyable trekking experience overall. We quickly came to trust his choices for lunch stops and accommodation as we felt they were always among the best options available. His knowledge of the trail was excellent, and his advice on trekking times for each day (based on our own pace) was spot-on, making it easier for us to plan our itinerary and make on-the-go changes as we saw fit. And on a personal level, we found Govinda to be easy-going, friendly, and an all-round great person to spend time with.

Govinda, o ur Himalayan Masters guide

Govinda, our Himalayan Masters guide

We also met a number of other Himalayan Masters guides while out on the trail, including Dipak who we chatted with lots, as our Langtang Valley trek itinerary coincided for three nights at the same guesthouses. From our interactions with Dipak, and positive feedback shared over dining room chats with his two trekking clients, we’re confident that Himalayan Masters are working with great guides across the board.

In addition to our guide, Govinda, we’d also highly recommend our porter, Prakas Tamang, organised last minute for us by Himalayan Masters. He knows the trail inside out, portering on the Everest Base Camp route, along with various others in the Khumbu region, multiple times a season. We felt he went above and beyond his role as a trekking porter, especially when breaking trail for us in snowy conditions while crossing Ngozumpa Glacier and Renjo La.

To  discuss planning your Everest Base Camp trek you can get in touch with Himalayan Masters at [email protected]  and you’ll get a 5% discount off your trip cost by using our code HOGG5 .

HOW ABOUT TACKLING THE MANASLU CIRCUIT?

DAY BY DAY ACCOUNT

ACCOMMODATION ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Accommodation.

Accommodation on the Everest Base Camp trek is in the form of guesthouses, also known as teahouses or lodges. These can be found regularly along the trail in local villages (such as Namche Bazaar and Dingboche) or in guesthouse-only settlements (such as Lobuche and Gorak Shep). In general, the standard of accommodation is decent on the EBC trek, but it becomes more basic at higher altitude, with accommodation at Gorak Shep (5160 m) the most basic (and the toilets the most unpleasant) of the whole trek.

The accommodation at Gorak Shep (5160 m) is the most basic on the Everest Base Camp Trek, but the mountain views are spectacular

Guesthouses provide both accommodation and meals, and you are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse you sleep at. Lunch is usually at a different guesthouse along the trail, unless you arrive early at your destination for the day.

Rooms are basic, but comfortable. They usually have two single beds, although some places will have rooms sleeping three, or just one. Beds always have a sheet-covered mattress, a pillow with a pillowcase, and a blanket. We have seen plenty of bedding hanging out to dry which would suggest sheets, pillowcases, and blankets do get washed, however there is no guarantee that they will be freshly laundered for each guest. Personally, we always trek with our own sleeping bag and silk liner, using the blanket over our sleeping bag for extra warmth at higher altitudes.

There is always a light in the room, powered by mains electricity or solar. Often there is a small table, some hooks on the wall, and a bin, and there is almost always a window with curtains. Some guesthouses will have charging sockets in the room, but this is not always the case. There is no heating in guesthouse rooms, only ever in the main dining room.

DINING ROOM

Every guesthouse has a dining room where you can eat your meals, drink tea, and hang out. There are usually tables and benches around the perimeter of the room, with plenty of plastic chairs for huddling around the central stove. Expect to see a display cabinet of snacks and sundries for sale (eg. chocolate bars, biscuits, Pringles, toilet paper, soft drinks), and often a Buddhist prayer altar, too. The dining room is the only room with a stove. This is usually lit in the late afternoon or early evening as the sun goes down and it starts to get cold, making it nice and cosy.

The dining room of Mountain Paradise Lodge in Dragnag/Thangnak on the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

The dining room of Mountain Paradise Lodge in Dragnag/Thangnak, a small teahouse settlement on the Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek

TOILETS AND SHOWERS

There are usually rooms with attached bathrooms (ensuite) available as far as Dingboche. After Dingboche, rooms with shared (common) bathrooms are generally all that is available. If you have an attached bathroom this will usually have a toilet, sink (not always), and shower. Shared bathroom facilities normally consist of separate toilets and shower rooms, with a sink outside, although sometimes there is no dedicated sink and you’ll need to wash your hands/brush your teeth at an outdoor tap.

Toilets may be sit-down or squat style. Toilet paper is never provided , so you’ll need to pack your own and buy more as you go. Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet, always put it in the bin next to the toilet (this may be an old tin can, a cardboard box, a plastic container, or such like.) Sit-down toilets will likely have an automatic flush, although at higher altitudes in cold weather, the pipes can freeze and you may need to flush the toilet using a bucket of water. Squat toilets never have an automatic flush; you always need to flush using the scoop and bucket of water provided.

A gas shower is usually available although sometimes the water is solar heated. If neither are available, guesthouses can provide a bucket of hot water which you can use to wash. You can expect to pay up to 800 NPR for any kind of hot water shower at guesthouses between Namche Bazaar and Lobuche. There are no shower facilities at Gorak Shep.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Every guesthouse serves meals and you are expected to eat dinner and breakfast at the guesthouse you are sleeping at, otherwise the cost of the room will be much higher. There are also a few bakeries, coffee shops, and tea shops along the route where you can pop in for treats.

Every guesthouse has a menu, and the options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are similar at each. Prices increase the higher you go as food and fuel needs to be transported further via porters or pack animals, resulting in additional costs. Meat is on the menu at most guesthouses (usually buffalo, yak, or chicken), but it’s advisable to stick to vegetarian food; meat is not usually fresh or kept refrigerated and the chance of getting an upset stomach is much greater if you eat it.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK MENU

Click into the slider to see a typical example of a menu on the Everest Base Camp trek. This menu is from Dingboche, where prices are more expensive than at lower altitudes but fairly representative of prices above 4000 m.

We have included photos of the menu from every guesthouse that we stayed at on the Everest Base Camp trek in our accompanying map .

Breakfast dishes include porridge, muesli, eggs, Tibetan bread (a kind of fried dough), chapati (flat, unleavened bread), and pancakes . Honey, jam, peanut butter, apples, chocolate sauce, and yak cheese are common accompaniments on offer.

Breakfast options are generally priced between 300 – 1200 NPR (approx $2 – $9 USD), depending on location and item.

LUNCH AND DINNER

Dal Bhat is a ubiquitous Nepali meal , eaten twice a day by many locals. It consists of plain rice, a lentil soup, veggie curry, papad (poppadom), and some sort of pickle. Depending on the veggies available, you may also get saag (spinach) or something similar. Everything is served on a big plate, and you can get free refills of each item (apart from the papad!).

There are always free refills of rice, dal and curry with  Dal Bhat , giving rise to the familiar catchphrase ‘Dal Bhat power 24 hour’

With Dal Bhat , t here are always free refills of at least the rice, dal and curry, giving rise to the familiar catchphrase, ‘Dal Bhat power 24 hour’

Other options include various soups (some fresh, some from a packet), basic pasta dishes (usually fried), fried rice, fried noodles, boiled or fried potatoes, and momos (steamed or fried dumplings). Ingredients more or less revolve around eggs, cheese, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onion, garlic, and tinned tuna.

Lunch and dinner options are generally priced between 350 – 1200 NPR (approx $2.5 – $9 USD), depending on location and item.

Various hot drinks include black/green/milk/masala/mint/ginger lemon honey tea, instant coffee, and hot chocolate . You can order a single cup or a small/medium/large thermos (called ‘pots’). Cups or pots of hot water are also available.

Soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, and Sprite are available to buy at each guesthouse shop, along with bottled water (although we recommend purifying tap water to drink instead of buying bottled water). You can also buy beer (bottles/cans) and small bottles of Khukuri rum , however it’s best to avoid alcohol at higher altitudes as this dehydrates you and makes acclimatisation more difficult.

Hot drinks are on average about 80 – 350 NPR per cup ($0.60 – $2.60 USD), or up to 800 – 3000 NPR per large pot ($6 – $22 USD). Soft drinks are about 300 – 600 NPR ($2.30 – $4.50 USD), bottled water is about 100 – 500 NPR ($0.75 – $3.80 USD), and beer is about 800 – 1200 NPR ($6 – $9 USD).

SNACKS AND DESSERTS

You can buy chocolate bars, biscuits, and Pringles at most guesthouse shops. Other snacks like popcorn, papad, prawn crackers, yak cheese, or french fries are often available on the menu, and you can usually get desserts like apple, Snickers, or Mars spring rolls/fritters/pies/momos.

A typical example of what’s on sale in guesthouses 

A fairly typical example of what’s on sale

Prices for Snickers/Mars start from 300 NPR ($2.30 USD), packets of biscuits start from 100 NPR ($.75 USD), and Pringles start from 600 NPR ($4.5 USD). Desserts range from 350 – 900 NPR ($2.70 – $6.80 USD).

BAKERIES AND COFFEE SHOPS

You’ll find bakeries and coffee shops (some with even proper coffee machines!) in various villages along the Everest Base Camp trekking route. These include Namche Bazaar, Tengboche and Dingboche. Common bakery treats include brownies, cinnamon buns, and apple pie. A few bakeries in Dingboche also show mountain-related films every afternoon.

Coffee costs around 300 – 400 NPR ($2.20 – $3 USD); bakery treats are usually around 400 – 600 NPR ($3 – $4.5 USD).

FANCY THE BIGGEST TREKKING CHALLENGE IN THE KHUMBU REGION?

PLAN YOUR TREK WITH OUR GUIDE

TRAIL NOTES AND OTHER INFO

SAFE DRINKING WATER ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

Bottled water is available to buy along the trail, however a much better option (environmentally and economically!) is to treat tap water and drink this instead. Come prepared with a refillable water bottle and/or water bladder , and a method of treating the water to make it safe for drinking.

The cheapest option is to use water purification tablets . You drop these into the water, wait about 30 minutes, then your water is safe to drink (although it can have a strange taste due to the active chemical in the tablets, ie. iodine or chlorine). You can buy these easily in supermarkets and outdoor shops in Kathmandu.

Our preferred method of water sterilisation is to use a Steripen Ultra in conjunction with a filter . The filter screws onto the top of our Nalgene water bottle and ensures any weird floaty bits or particulates are filtered out. Then we stick the Steripen into 1 litre of water for 90 seconds and the UV light sterilises the water, making it safe to drink immediately and with no change to the taste. The Steripen Ultra model is rechargeable via USB, so we can charge it using our solar panel, power bank, or an electrical socket. We always carry water purification tablets as an emergency backup, although we’ve never had to use them during 6+ years of using the Steripen.

Other common sterilisation methods include a Lifestraw , Grayl , Water-To Go , or a squeeze filter system .

As pipes can freeze overnight at higher altitudes, be sure to fill water for the following day before going to bed . There is usually a tap where you can fill your water bottle, but if not your guesthouse owner/staff can fill it for you from their water storage container.

The only place on the Everest Base Camp trek where it is not possible/advisable to drink the local water is at Gorak Shep . There is no good water supply here. The local guesthouses have to fill water from a questionable spring and store it in containers for use in the kitchen. Given the scarcity of water and the effort involved to carry it to the guesthouse, staff will not fill your bottle for you. The only option is to buy bottled water (500 NPR) or do as we did and carry enough water with you from Lobuche. Given the poor water supply and likely less than ideal hygiene standards at high altitude Gorak Shep (5160 m), it is not uncommon for people to get sick here. We would advise caution with what you order, perhaps avoiding hot drinks (which may not have been properly boiled).

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL, AND CHARGING ON THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

WIFI, PHONE SIGNAL, AND CHARGING

Nepal Telecom SIM cards work best on the Everest Base Camp trek. With NTC you’ll have a phone signal and usually a data connection for most of the trek between Lukla and Pangboche . You’re unlikely to get much of a signal beyond here.

WiFi is available at most guesthouses and bakeries along the trail. Between Lukla and Pangboche the usual WiFi cost for unlimited use at a guesthouse is around 300 NPR ($2.30 USD), although sometimes it’s free. Beyond Pangboche you can connect to the internet via Airlink . To do so you buy a card with an individual access code and this costs 600 – 700 NPR for 24 hours. Poor weather conditions can affect WiFi connectivity so there are no guarantees it will be working 24/7.

Most guesthouses run off solar power, and free in-room charging isn’t usually available. Instead you pay per device , charging in the dining room. Prices increase the higher you go, with one phone battery full charge costing between 200 – 800 NPR ($1.50 – $6 USD), and a power bank full charge costing between 1000 – 2000 NPR ($7.60 – $15 USD). Some guesthouses do offer free in-room charging (and a hot shower) if you are paying for a more expensive room with an attached bathroom. Depending on how many devices/batteries you need to charge, paying for the more expensive room can sometimes work out better value overall. Some coffee shops (notably in Dingboche) offer free phone charging with the purchase of food or drink.

One of the cafes in Dingboche offering free phone/battery charging for customers

It’s definitely a good idea to pack a power bank (or two, depending on your usage), enabling you to charge your phone and batteries on-the-go. A portable solar panel allows you to charge your devices for free in sunny conditions, and may be worth buying if you’ll continue to use it on future trips.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK COST AND BUDGET

COSTS AND BUDGET

The cost of your Everest Base Camp trek will very much depend on how you choose to trek (independently or with a guide), how many people you share the costs with, how much you eat and drink, and how often you want to have a hot shower, connect to the internet, or charge your devices.

EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK BUDGET SUMMARY

An inclusive Everest Base Camp trekking package with a local agency such as Himalayan Masters (quote HOGG5 for a 5% discount! ) usually works out at around $125 per day . This normally covers your accommodation during the trek in a mixture of rooms with attached and shared bathrooms, three meals and three hot drinks per trekking day, a guide and porter, internal flights, all airport transfers, all permits, and a couple of nights accommodation in Kathmandu. You will need to pay for any extras during your trek such as hot showers, charging devices, WiFi, and snacks – budget about $20 per day to cover all of this. You should also budget for a tip for your guide and porter.

An independent trekker with a mid-range budget (travelling without a guide or porter) could expect to pay around $50 – $55 per day on the EBC trek. This would cover flights to and from Lukla, your permits, accommodation in a mixture of rooms with attached and shared bathrooms, three meals and three hot drinks plus one treat a day (such as a Coke, Snickers, or real coffee), connecting to WiFi, charging a power bank, and having a hot shower every other day, and charging a phone or camera battery every day.

The minimum that we estimate a budget independent trekker could spend on the Everest Base Camp trek is about $35 per day . This would mean trekking without a guide or porter, opting to travel overland by public transport (minimum 16 days required Kathmandu to Kathmandu), sharing a twin room and using shared bathroom facilities every night, eating three simple meals a day with no snacks or treats, and not paying for any WiFi, hot showers, or device charging.

DETAILED EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK BUDGET

Below is a complete breakdown of the average costs for an Everest Base Camp trek. This should allow you to plan your budget according to your own style of trekking. We have calculated these costs based on the actual prices charged at each guesthouse we stayed at, averaged out over an 11 night/12 day itinerary as outlined in our Classic Everest Base Camp Itinerary table above .

TRANSPORT COSTS

Flight: Kathmandu < > Lukla; $180 (one way) 

Flight: Ramechhap  < > Lukla; $152 (one way)

Helicopter: Kathmandu < > Lukla; $500 (one way)

Kathmandu to Ramechhap

Local Bus: Kathmandu < > Ramechhap; 600 NPR ($4.50) (one way)

Shuttle Bus: Kathmandu < > Ramechhap; $30 (one way)

Private Car: Kathmandu < > Ramechhap; 14000 NPR ($100) (one way) (cost can be shared among 4 people)

Kathmandu to Salleri

Local Bus: Kathmandu < > Salleri; 1700 NPR ($13) (one way)

Shared Jeep: Kathmandu < > Salleri; 2600 NPR ($20) (one way)

Private Jeep: Kathmandu < > Salleri; $250 (one way) (cost can be shared among 7 people)

Salleri to Thamdada

Shared Jeep: Salleri < > Thamdada; 2600 NPR ($20) (one way)

Private Jeep: Salleri < > Thamdada; $235 (one way) (cost can be shared among 7 people)

PERMITS/ENTRANCE FEES

2000 NPR ($15) Khumbu Trek Card

3000 NPR ($23)   Sagarmatha National Park Fee (1500 NPR SAARC nationals / 100 NPR Nepali nationals)

Twin Room with attached bathroom: 1000 – 1500 NPR ($7.50 – $11) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

Twin Room with shared bathroom: 500 – 1000 NPR ($3.80 – $7.50) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

11 nights twin room with shared bathroom average cost 750 NPR ($5.70) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

11 nights twin room with attached bathroom where possible average cost 1200 NPR ($9) per night (cost can be shared between 2 people)

3 x meals with hot drinks, average 3150 NPR ($24 USD) per person, per day

Costs based on 1 x chapati with omelette (breakfast) + 2 x dal bhat (lunch and dinner) + 3 x masala tea per day

It will cost extra if you want to have soft drinks, snacks, desserts, etc.

For a detailed look at food prices, check out the menus for each guesthouse we stayed at in our Everest Base Camp map

Average 500 NPR ($3.80) per day (if using wifi every day)

PHONE/CAMERA BATTERY CHARGING COSTS

Average 400 NPR ($3) per day (if charging one phone or camera battery every day)

POWER BANK CHARGING COSTS

Average 550 NPR ($4) per day (if charging one power bank every day)

HOT SHOWER COSTS

Average 550 NPR ($4) per day (if taking a hot shower every day)

TREKKING GUIDE

$20 – $30 USD per day (cost can be shared with up to 5 people)

$18 – $25 USD per day (max weight carried 25 kg, cost can be shared between 2-3 people)

GUIDE AND PORTER TIPS

Guides and porters rely on tips to supplement their daily wage and it is expected that you tip at the end of your trek

Recommended minimum amount is:

500 NPR ($4 USD) per person, per day for guides

400 NPR ($3 USD) per person, per day for porters

For larger groups, tip 10% of total tour cost to be split between all trekking staff

Average 500 NPR ($3.80) per day  (if using wifi every day)

PHONE/CAMERA BATTERY CHARGING

Power bank charging, money and atms on the everest base camp trek.

MONEY AND ATMs

You will pay for everything in cash on your Everest Base Camp trek. It is best to bring all the cash you need from Kathmandu , in Nepalese rupees . There are ATMs in Lukla and Namche Bazaar, but we advise you to think of these as emergency ATMs only and not to rely upon them. It’s a good idea to have a mixture of large and small bills, as guesthouses, shops, and bakeries don’t always have change.

ATMs in Nepal have maximum withdrawal limits (usually 35,000 NPR) and your bank card is also likely to have a max daily withdrawal limit . Be sure to plan ahead and start withdrawing cash a few days in advance. If this is not possible, for example you plan to depart for Lukla soon after arriving in Nepal, you will need to have enough foreign currency (USD is best) to exchange for Nepalese rupees.

If you are trekking independently you will need to carry quite a lot of cash. You will need less cash if you choose an inclusive trekking package as your guide will pay for accommodation and food during the trek, but you will still need enough to cover daily expenses such as hot showers, snacks, and device charging. You should also ensure you have enough cash to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek, as one or both may not be returning with you to Kathmandu.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY ON THIS CLASSIC NEPAL TREK

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK

WHAT TO PACK

Everything you need for your Everest Base Camp trek is covered in our dedicated packing guide, What To Pack For Trekking in Nepal , so be sure to check this out for a complete rundown. You can also download our Nepal Packing List , a useful online or printable checklist for your trek.

In a nutshell, you will need layers suitable for trekking in warm and cold conditions and dry clothes for the evening, gear which you will use on the trail and at your guesthouse, any relevant electronics , hygiene and first aid items, and a few essentials such as cash , emergency contact details , your travel insurance documents, and your passport . We would highly recommend carrying microspikes (crampons) for crossing the icy glacier at Cho La, and in case you encounter any other snow or ice during the trek.

If you arrive in Nepal without the appropriate gear for trekking, you can buy and/or rent everything you need in Kathmandu (either fake or genuine items). Some trekking agencies provide gear free of charge to clients. Himalayan Masters , for example, provide sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, water bottles, purification tablets, caps, T-Shirts, and a duffel bag if you’re trekking with a porter.

There are also lots of trekking shops in both Lukla and Namche Bazaar , with others dotted along the trail in various smaller villages. You can buy genuine gear from the likes of Icebreaker, Osprey, and Black Diamond at Sherpa Adventure Gear stores in Namche. There is also a branch of The North Face in Namche. Most other shops sell counterfeit/cheap gear.

You can leave any excess luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu and pick it up when you return from your trek.

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR TREK

Download our handy Nepal packing list to print or fill in digitally using a PDF reader

ALTITUDE AWARENESS AND AMS

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) , also commonly referred to as Altitude Sickness, can affect people at heights of around 2500 m and above . It can affect anyone regardless of age, physical fitness, or other factors. The higher you go the less oxygen there is, and it takes time for your body to adjust. Symptoms of AMS, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue or loss of appetite, can occur when your body is not properly acclimatised to being at a particular altitude.

The highest sleeping altitude on the Everest Base Camp trek is at Gorak Shep (5160 m). The highest point you are likely to trek to is Kala Patthar (5611 m) . These altitudes are considered ‘ very high altitude ’ in trekking terms.

AMS can develop into the life-threatening conditions of HACE or HAPE, therefore symptoms of AMS should never be ignored. Read up on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for AMS prior to your trek – it could save your life or that of a fellow trekker! We have found the altitude.org website helpful, along with the PDF booklet about Travel at High Altitude (available in a number of languages) produced by Medex . A number of other medical websites, such as the NHS , are also good resources.

In a nutshell, the best way to avoid developing AMS (or the life-threatening conditions of HACE or HAPE) is to follow medically advised best-practices . This includes ascending slowly, sleeping no more than 300 – 500 metres higher than the previous night, taking a rest day for every 1000 metres ascended above 2500 m, staying well hydrated by drinking lots of water, and going on acclimatisation hikes where you can climb high but return to sleep at a lower altitude.

Ascending at the correct rate and doing acclimatisation hikes like this one (Nangkartshang) will help your body adjust to high altitude properly

Ascending slowly and doing acclimatisation day hikes like this one (Nangkartshang) will help your body adjust to high altitude properly

If you develop AMS symptoms, do not ascend any higher. Rest, drink water, eat something, take paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with the pain, and assess whether your condition is worsening or improving. If it is worsening, you should descend to a lower altitude immediately. If it is improving or staying the same, rest at the same altitude for a night and allow your body more time to acclimatise before ascending.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a tablet that can be taken as a preventative to AMS, or as a treatment to help reduce the symptoms. It helps to speed up the acclimatisation process by causing you to breathe deeper and faster, resulting in higher oxygen concentrations in the body. It usually comes in tablets of 250 mg and the dosage is 125 mg twice a day. You can speak to a medical professional prior to your trip about taking Acetazolamide (Diamox). It is available to purchase over the counter at pharmacies in Kathmandu and trekking guides will often carry it in their first aid kit. Common side effects of taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) are tingling fingers, lips, and/or feet.

Note that many guides and locals will advise you to eat garlic soup as a remedy to AMS, but there is no medical evidence to support this notion.

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TREKKING IN NEPAL

You will have the chance to trek up to 5611 m on the Everest Base Camp trek. Trekking to this altitude is NOT automatically covered by most travel insurance providers , but you should be able to pay extra for an add-on ‘activity pack’ or such like which will cover you for trekking at such heights. When choosing your travel insurance policy, it’s also wise to ensure you have Search and Rescue cover and Medical Evacuation cover included.

Always check the inclusions and exclusions of your policy carefully. Some travel insurance providers have specific exclusions or conditions when it comes to trekking in Nepal. For example, the excess for helicopter evacuation may be considerably higher for Nepal than elsewhere. This is due in part to a scam in recent years whereby trekkers who become ill are pressured or encouraged to fly out of the mountains by helicopter for medical attention, with unscrupulous guides, helicopter companies, doctors, and even some trekkers themselves, profiting from the scam.

You should also make a note of the correct procedure for medical emergencies and the insurance company emergency contact number. Add this information to your phone, and keep a written copy with you while trekking.

Whether you are currently in your home country or are already travelling, two travel insurance policy providers that can cover you for trekking in Nepal are World Nomads (for residents of 140+ countries) and True Traveller (for UK and EEA residents only). We have purchased travel insurance policies from both of these companies on numerous occasions and have found their policies to be comprehensive, and their online claims and extension processes straightforward.

If you still need to organise your travel insurance, we’d suggest getting a quote from each to see which suits you best.

Click the links below to get a quote

Click the links to get a quote.

It’s possible to travel overland from India to Nepal, crossing the border at Sunauli. The route and details are described in this post on Seat 61 .

The easiest way to get to Nepal is by flying and this is how the vast majority of people arrive. A number of different airlines operate flights to Nepal’s only international airport, Tribhuvan International Airport, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. There are very few long distance direct flights to Nepal, so you can expect to transfer somewhere in Asia or the Middle East, depending on your direction of travel.

It’s best to book your flights at the earliest possible opportunity . During busy times, such as the peak trekking seasons in spring and autumn, flights are often fully booked.

CHECK FLIGHT OPTIONS HERE

Arriving at kathmandu airport.

There is a money exchange booth next to the visa payment counter , prior to passing through immigration. There is an ATM next to the visa payment counter too, however it is unreliable. More ATMs are available after passing through immigration, but it’s best to have some cash with you just in case.

You can arrange a SIM from NCell or Nepal Telecom at arrivals , and SIM cards are also available from many small shops in Thamel.

AIRPORT TAXI

A taxi from the airport to Thamel costs approximately 800 – 1000 NPR ($6 – $7.50 USD) and takes between 15 – 30 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day. There are prepaid taxi counters at arrivals, or you can negotiate a fare with a taxi driver outside (there are no metered taxis). You need to pay cash .

PLAN YOUR TREK TO UPPER MUSTANG

Tourist visas are available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers .

While tourist visas on arrival are available for many foreign passport holders, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.

See the Nepal Immigration website for more details.

NEPAL VISA ON ARRIVAL

There are three Nepal tourist visas available and three things you must have to get one on arrival:

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

WHAT YOU NEED

• A passport valid for at least six months
• At least one blank page in your passport
• The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

The Nepal tourist visa on arrival process is as follows:

• Go to the machines to the right as you enter the arrivals hall. You’ll need your passport details and hotel address . After filling in the required details on the screen, take a photo of the confirmation page on your phone (the printer doesn’t work).
• Next, you need to pay for your visa at the desk on the left as you enter the arrivals hall. You can show the confirmation on your phone. They want a cash payment for the visa. A sign indicates that a number of currencies are acceptable, including EUR, GBP, CAD, USD, AUD, JPY, KRW, AED, SGD, THB, MYR, CHF, DKK, QAD, SAR, CNY, HKD, KWD, and BHD. Note that they will NOT accept Bank of Scotland GBP notes, only Bank of England notes. You cannot pay in NPR. The sign says they accept card payments, but they will refuse and advise you that you must pay cash. If you insist hard enough, then they’ll send you to the desk on the far left to pay at a card machine with a $1 surcharge. The machine can be temperamental and the payment may fail to go through a few times. Also, it’s treated as a cash advance from your credit card, not a transaction, so you’ll probably be charged a cash withdrawal fee by your credit card company. After paying for your visa you’ll get a receipt .
• Take the receipt of visa payment, your passport , and boarding pass for your flight into Kathmandu to the immigration desk and get stamped through.

RECOMMENDED KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION

Thamel is the main tourist hub in Kathmandu , with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and services aimed at trekkers. Here are some recommendations for accommodation before and after your Everest Base Camp trek, with something to suit all budgets.

Flock Hostel | Dorm and Private rooms, modern design, close to Thamel, rooftop bar and terrace, restaurant

Zostel Kathmandu | Dorm and Private rooms, terrace, bar, restaurant, close to Thamel

Flying Yak | Dorm and Private rooms, modern design, central Thamel, bar, terrace  

Yakety Yak | Dorm and Private rooms, sleek modern design, rooftop terrace, bar, restaurant, central Thamel

Bag Packer’s Lodge | Budget private rooms with shared or private bathroom, rooftop terrace, restaurant, central Thamel location

9ine Thamel | Sleek minimalist design, central Thamel, excellent restaurant 

Nomad Hotel | Tasteful modern design, short walk from Thamel, restaurant and terrace

Oasis Kathmandu Hotel | Good location in Thamel, restaurant, generically ‘nice’ decor

Kathmandu Aagantuk Hotel | Good location in Thamel, restaurant, generically ‘nice’ decor, some rooms with balconies

Hotel Roadhouse | Stylish Modern design with heritage feel, central Thamel, popular restaurant on ground floor

Dalai-La | Central Thamel, courtyard restaurant, artistic Nepali design

Hotel Thamel House | Classic heritage style with lots of brick and wood, leafy courtyard restaurant, central Thamel

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel | Sleek and minimal design, walking distance to Thamel, Nimsdai store on-site

Aloft Kathmandu |  Modern design, Thamel location

Baber Mahal Vilas – The Heritage Hotel | Heritage boutique hotel invoking a range of historic styles 

The Dwarika’s Hotel | 5* luxury heritage style hotel, half-way between airport and Thamel

SEE MORE KATHMANDU ACCOMMODATION HERE

Everest base camp trek maps, guidebooks and apps.

MAPS, GUIDEBOOKS AND APPS

You can easily pick up trekking maps of the Khumbu region in Thamel, Kathmandu, with many shops selling them. Check that your map covers the full Everest Base Camp route, plus the section to the south as far as Salleri if you’re planning to travel overland to Lukla (or plans change at the last minute and you need to trek instead of fly!).

Good guidebooks for the Everest Base Camp trek specifically, and the Khumbu region and Nepal in general, include A Trekking Guide to Everest: Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Lakes, Thame Valley, Three High Passes, Classic Everest, Arun Valley by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons (available in paperback or kindle), Cicerone’s Trekking Everest: Base Camp, Kala Patar and Other Trekking Routes in Nepal and Tibet , Lonely Planet’s Nepal Guide , the Lonely Planet Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya guide, and The Rough Guide to Nepal .

We would also suggest having a mapping app on your phone that can be used offline . Our favourite is Organic Maps ( iOS / Android ) (very similar to Maps.me, but with less ads) which is easy to use and has a straightforward interface. You can download maps for the area beforehand and use it offline with the GPS on your phone. Our Everest Base Camp Trekking E-Map includes a KML file with the various routes and all relevant places pinned, which can be imported to Organic Maps or Maps.Me for easy navigation and planning.

We also use the Gaia GPS app ( iOS / Android ) when we want more detailed topographical info, ensuring that we’ve downloaded the relevant map region online in advance. Again, our Everest Base Camp Trekking E-Map includes a GPX file download of the routes and key places, which can be imported directly into your app.

THANKS FOR READING!

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

Kim and Del Hogg

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

That’s it for our guide to the Everest Base Camp trek. We hope you found it useful. If you’ve any thoughts or experiences to share, or any questions about this trek, drop them in the comments below.

ORGANISE YOUR TRIP

Still not sorted your travel insurance it’s not too late get a quote now, liked this guide pin it for later, 3 leave a reply.

Wow, there is nobody ever who even talks about the Sherpa Porters in the region. Exactly, the porters have difficulty in getting the right accommodation and good food. I really love the way it has been explained in this guide. They should be paid more and they should have as good facilities as the guides. They are superhumans.

Thanks Naresh, we were happy to highlight this issue. Ultimately, porters do a valuable job and we believe that both they and trekking guides should be well treated and provided for.

This guide is truly the most comprehensive and accurate I have come across in over 30 years! Still I would like to make a few comments: – about guides and trek packages: some guides want to have total control and not just act as helpers and fixers. Getting a trek package which does not include food and lodgings helps in this regard, as you as the paying client are responsible to pick the lodge to the stay at and also can eat anything from the menu, or nothing in some cases, without the guide having anything to say about it. …  Read more »

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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

The Everest Base Camp Trek distance is a 130 km round trip beginning from Lukla.

However, the outward 65 kilometers to Everest Base Camp takes far longer as you need to factor in acclimatization. If you were to rush to base camp, you would almost certainly fall ill from altitude sickness .

This article is a guide on what to expect and how to best navigate the awe-inspiring distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek. 

Depending on how much previous trekking experience you have, 130 km may or may not sound like a long distance. What you should bear in mind here is that the average walking speed of a human is 5 km per hour.

Therefore, 130 km is not particularly far when you think of it in those terms. The walking is also made easier by the fact that your larger bags will be carried by your porters (assuming you are not trekking solo).

See our article on the difficulty of the Everest Base Camp trek . 

Trek Itinerary

On a standard 14-day return trek to EBC, you will be walking for 9 days with an average of 15 km a day.

The other days will either be spent acclimatizing or in Kathmandu . Although 15 km a day is not a long distance, the steep and rocky terrain can slow you down. This is especially true in winter when the trail will often be covered in snow and ice.

At no point is the path paved and the naturally hilly landscape means that your average walking speed will suffer a little.

Below, we have provided a day-by-day distance itinerary for the classic EBC trek.

Day 1 (9 km - 4.5 hours)

On the first day, you will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. From there, you will then walk to Phakding. 

Day 2 (12 km - 6 hours)

On the second day, you will trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. 

Day 3 (Acclimitisation)

The third day of your EBC trek is purely for acclimitisation. You won't do any walking except maybe a quick hike up to the Everest View Hotel .

Day 4 (12 km - 10 hours)

On the fourth day, you'll continue your trek from Namche Bazaar all the way to Tengboche. 

Namche Bazaar, Khumbu District

Day 5 (12 km - 6 hours)

On the fifth day, you'll do a long hike from Tengboche to Dingboche. 

Day 6 (Acclimitisation)

On the sixth day, you'll do some exploring of Dingboche. 

Day 7 (12 km - 6 hours)

On the seventh day, you'll leave Dingboche and hike to Lobuche. 

Day 8 (8km - 3-4 hours)

On the eighth day of your EBC trek, you'll hike from Lobuche to Gorakshep . 

Day 9 (22 km - 7 hours)

On the ninth day, you'll cover a lot of distance by first hiking from Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp. Afterwards, you'll start trekking back to Dingboche. 

Day 10 (24 km - 8-10 hours)

On the tenth day of hiking, you'll trek from Dingboche back to Namchee Bazaar.

Day 11 (21 km - 7-9 hours) 

On the eleventh day, you'll hike from Namchee Bazaar all the way back to the airstrip at Lukla, offically completing your EBC trek.  

Day 12 (Departure)

On the twelfth day, you'll give your legs a well-deserved break and fly back to Kathmandu. 

If you have any further questions about the distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek, please leave a note below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Thank you and happy trekking!

Tags:  Everest Base Camp trek distance, How long is the Everest Base Camp trek

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See more information on  Nepal . Or check out these other Everest articles:

• Climbing Mount Everest Tips
• Best time to do Everest Base Camp Trek
• Guide to EBC Trek Training
• EBC Packing List
• Cost of Trekking Mount Everest
• Everest Base Camp Trekking Insurance
• Food and Drinks on Everest Base Camp Trek

About the author 

Andrew Roux

Andrew is one of the senior writers at Mountain IQ. A native of South Africa, Andrew has hiked and climbed all over the world. His favourite destination is Nepal and his most memorable hike was to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro!

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Thanks for the complete info about the distance of EBC. I would like to know about the best months for the trek and do we need a guide for it or we can do it by ourself?

Hi Nishant, the best months are March through to May and September through to October. The latter is the Everest season, so if you want to feel the energy of the climbing season then April-May are the best months. You can do the trek unsupported but I recommend taking a guide. All the best

How many feet is it from Everest base camp to the summit of Everest? Many thanks!

The summit of Mount Everest is 8,848m (29,029 ft). Everest Base Camp is at 5,364m (17,598 ft). So the altitude variation in feet is 11,431 ft.

We would prefer to carry our own bags is this ok?

Yes, many people trek independently (i.e. with no support) or with just a guide and no porters.

Please share details for EBC trek

Hi Anny, here’s a complete guide: https://www.mountainiq.com/guides/trekking-in-nepal/routes/everest-base-camp-trek/

What is the advisable/maximum speed to walk at ?

Hi Jamie, assuming you are not pre-acclimatised from an earlier hike in the Himalayas, then you should aim to take 12-13 days from Lukla return. This will give you enough time to include 1 or 2 acclimatisation days, and provide a slow and steady pace to EBC.

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Lukla To Everest Base Camp Trek

Last Updated on May 3, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks

Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla is one of the world’s most popular mountain treks. Thousands of trekkers visit the Khumbu region in Nepal every year, and visitors come from all over the world to see the world’s highest summit, Mt Everest (8848m), and its adjacent peaks. The region’s natural splendor inspires some incredible pictures, and the views along the trip, as well as at the EBC, are breathtaking. Beautiful, century-old monasteries may be visited, and the walk provides an opportunity to learn about the Sherpa people’s unique culture. A trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition for individuals whose ambitions soar as high as the clouds that surround the beautiful peak. You can soak your spirit with the natural beauty of the region and stretch your endurance beyond what you believed was possible when you’re miles away from cars, home comforts, and the regular everyday amenities.

Table of Contents

Walking Distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp:

The distance between Lukla and EBC is 38.58 miles (62.08 kilometers), which takes 7 to 8 days to hike and 3 to 4 days to descend. The overall distance traveled round way from Lukla to Everest base camp is 130 kilometers, although the trek takes 11 to 12 days. You hike 10 to 11 kilometers each day, which is a pleasant amount to walk between Lukla and Everest base camp. There are many aspects about the Lukla to Everest base camp trek that no one tells you about. The Lukla to EBC trip is a thrilling adventure that takes you to one of the Khumbu Valley’s most fascinating trekking sites. 

Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla: Highlights:

• Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla begins this incredible adventure to Everest Base Camp with a thrilling alpine flight above the huge Himalayan range.
• Discover Sherpas’ historically rich culture and immerse yourself in the indigenous way of life.
• Art, architecture, and history abound in centuries-old monasteries.
• The Everest Base Camp journey offers the greatest views in the world, with magnificent peaks visible at all times. The landscape is enhanced by green valleys with lush trees.
• From the peak of Kala Patthar, you can watch the sunrise. The magnificence of the golden hour will take your breath away.
• A chance to see the world’s highest glacier, the Khumbu Glacier.

Best Time for the Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla:

Spring and autumn are without a doubt the greatest seasons for trekking in Nepal. The same is valid for the Everest Base Camp trek.

The weather is warm in Autumn. It is simple to trek in such situations. The visibility is excellent. As a result, the mountains appear beautiful. Autumn is also a festival season in Nepal. Simply put, the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is in the autumn. In general, spring is substantially warmer than autumn. Spring is a wonderful time of year because of the abundance of greenery and blooming flowers. There’s a fineness in the air that you won’t find at any other time. Those who dislike the cold should go on a hike in the spring, especially between early May and mid-June.

Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla: Accommodation:

During the Everest Base Camp trek, hotels range from basic to “luxury.” Luxury lodge options such as Yeti Mountain Home can be found in Namche Bazaar or below. However, as you ascend from Namche Bazar, the accommodations grow more primitive, and your only alternative is to stay in relatively basic teahouses.

Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla: Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Take a short flight to Lukla, followed by a trek to Phakding

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 3: Acclimatization and side trips in Namche

Day 4: Trek to Tyangboche

Day 5: Trek to Dingboche

Day 6: Hike to Nagartsang and back to Dingboche.

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche

Day 8: Arrive at Everest Base Camp and return trek to Gorakshep

Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar and Pheriche

Day 10: Trek to Namche Bazaar

Day 11: Trek to Lukla

Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla: Required Permits and Documents:

A couple of permits are required for the trek. It does not, however, require a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) permission, as do other trekking trails.

• Sagarmatha National Park Permit: the permit can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board office (Kathmandu) as well as from Monjo (Khumbu)at the entry of the park. It cost NPR 3,000 ($30).
• Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entrance Permit: It can be only obtained from Lukla or Monjo. It cost NPR 2,000 ($20) per foreign traveler. It is a substitute for a TIMS card.

Note that following the classic trail from Jiri to Everest base camp necessitates obtaining a separate permit from the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. It’s available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. 

Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla: FAQ’s:

Everest’s safety concerns are based on a number of factors. Everest Base Camp Trek is, nonetheless, extremely safe in comparison to Everest Climbing. However, because of the high altitude, it still offers some concerns, as stated above.

Basic hiking equipment, such as walking poles, hiking boots (preferably shoes), lightweight t-shirts, hiking pants, a down jacket, sleeping bags, and so on, is usually required.

An interpretative local guide will help you make the most of your stay in the mountains. They’re well-versed in mountain conditions, weather, avalanches, and other potential dangers. They will be enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge of your surroundings in order to keep you safe on the mountain.

You must have travel insurance for Everest Base Camp Trek to protect your investment; it should cover helicopter evacuation and medical repatriation. Despite being a moderate trip, it reaches a height of 5545 meters above sea level. Some trekkers may get high altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening in such circumstances. Trekkers may require helicopter assistance. As a result, having travel insurance can save you money.

The cost of an EBC trek is determined by the trip type, hiking trails, and the trekker’s own actions. However, the most affordable Everest Base Camp Trek costs between $1400 and $1600. This amount can cover all of your food, lodging, guides and porters, permits, and Lukla domestic flights.

Everest Base Camp has harsh weather and temperatures. The temperature in the daylight varies from 20 degrees Celsius in the summer to -5 degrees Celsius in the winter. However, it can go down to -20 degrees in the winter and 4 degrees in the summer at night.

The trek to Everest Base Camp takes between 11 and 14 days’ round trip on average. The majority of people will complete it in 12 days: 8 days hiking from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, followed by 4 days trekking back to Lukla.

The one-way trek from Lukla (9,200 feet) to Mount Everest Base Camp (17,500 feet) is around 38.5 miles (62 kilometers).

Yes, we can see the view of Everest and other surrounding peaks from Lukla.

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You might want to explore the highest and coolest Himalayas of Nepal, explore Nepali cultures, and visit many beautiful places of Nepal. We are here to make your travel dream come true. There are so many thing you can do in Nepal. You can enroll in trekking, mountaineering, hiking, rafting, and jungle safari. We create best itinerary for our customers according to their travel plans. Our agents are very cooperative and they will contact you beforehand so that you can tell what to include in your travel itinerary. We have highly experienced and very professional team in our Company. They make sure about your safety and other travel things. With us, it will be easy for you to travel to your favorite destination. View all posts by Alpha Adventure Treks

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance, Difficulty, Altitude

It can be quite daunting to tailor a perfect Everest base camp trek itinerary that best suits your requirements, preferences and timeframe, but do not sweat, we have prepared this guide to help you know the region properly. We hope this guide will provide you with proper insight into the Everest base camp trek distance, difficulty and altitude to help you craft an itinerary for the famous Everest base camp trek.

Table of Contents

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

The total distance for the Everest base camp trek (Lukla – Everest base camp – Lukla) is 127 kilometres approximately excluding the distances of acclimatization hikes in Namche and Dingboche. Please note that there are various approaches and itineraries for EBC Trek. The distance of 130 km is based on the standard itinerary via Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Everest base camp.

127 km sounds like a lot of trekking, but do not sweat as you will be covering this distance in 12 days’ time. The daily trek will cover around 12 km distance on average with 6-7 hrs walk. The approach towards the base camp will take longer days to keep proper acclimatization due to increasing altitude.

On average, 12 days is required for the Everest base camp trek following proper rest and acclimatization. Keeping 2 nights each at Namche and Dingboche for acclimatization. We recommend you not cut short the itinerary as it can lead to altitude sickness.  If you are short on time and yet want to do the trek then we recommend you take a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Gorakshep or any place as per your schedule.

You can tailor the itinerary as per your schedule but shortening the itinerary is not recommended.

Standard Itinerary for Everest Base Camp

The above itinerary is the most common and standard itinerary for the Everest base camp trek. The standard approach to the Everest base camp is via Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorekshep and Everest base camp. You could also choose to add a few more days on approach by visiting the less trodden route which is from Namche, Khumjung, Phortse, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorekshep and Everest base camp. This also helps in the acclimatization process as you will be spending a few more nights at around 3000m before hitting 4000m. This is exactly the itinerary we follow on our Everest base camp trek . Higher above Dingboche, the approach to the Everest base camp is the same for everyone unless you wish to cross KhongmaLa Pass, a high pass at 5,535m/18,160ft beneath the shadow of Lhotse’s south face.

If you want a more thrilling alternate route to Everest base camp then perhaps combining Everest and Gokyo Chola Pass may be an ideal itinerary for you. This itinerary provides the best of Everest in a single trip and the view from Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass may be a euphoric moment for you.

Everest Base Camp Trek Walking Hours

On average, your daily trekking will involve a 6-7 hrs trek at an increased altitude. Some days will be slightly longer and some will be shorter but be prepared to walk 6-7 hrs every day on average carrying your backpack. During rest and acclimatization days, the trekking hour will be shorter. The trekking hour each day may vary as per your fitness level but fear not, as you will have plenty of time to cover the everyday distance at your own pace. You start the trek at 8 am and reach the overnight place lately by 4 pm including 1 hr lunch break. There are numerous teashops and rest places throughout the trail so you can always rest and have a cup of ginger lemon honey as a booster for the onward journey.

Everest Base Camp Trek Map

The above map illustrates the trail of the Everest base camp trek.

Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Chart

The maximum altitude on the Everest base camp trek is 5545m at Kalapathar and the maximum overnight altitude on the Everest base camp trek is 5160m at Gorekshep. The starting and ending point of your trek is Lukla which sits at an altitude of 2800m.

Altitude is the main point of concern for everyone doing the Everest base camp trek. The high altitude involved in the trek makes it more challenging. You start the trek from 2800m and over the course of 8 days, you gain altitude every day, eventually reaching 5545m at Kalapathar.

Gaining altitude rapidly against the recommended guideline, which is 400m-500m per day can lead to acute mountain sickness and eventually HAPE or HACE.

Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty

Everest Base Camp Trek is graded challenging in terms of difficulty level due to its longer duration trek on higher altitudes . The trek reaches up to a maximum altitude of 5364m with a maximum overnight altitude of 5164m at Gorekshep. For those who climb Kalapathar too, the maximum altitude you will reach is 5545m at the summit of Kalapathar. The trek starts at 2800m at Lukla so, in terms of altitude, the trek is considered strenuous. While the approach to the base camp itself is not very hard due to the well-paved trail and commercialized villages along the way. The approach on the last 2 days before reaching the base camp consists of rocky terrain and moraine making it a bit harder. The level of difficulty also vastly depends on your level of experience and fitness. The fitter you are the more enjoyable the trek will be. If you have previously trekked to other high-altitude regions then it can be beneficial.

For trekking to Everest base camp, you do not need to equip yourself with any technical gear. Quality trekking gear with sturdy and waterproof hiking boots will suffice. But remember that it can get very cold so packing warm clothing is essential.

Everest Base Camp Trek Prerequisite

The trek is graded challenging but fear not as it is completely doable. People without any previous experience of trekking have completed the trek successfully. However, you should be well prepared and trained before treading the trail. Train yourself at least 3 months prior to the trek. One specific training program may not fit for all but doing regular hillwalking carrying 5-6 kgs of a backpack will be of great advantage.

The fitter you are, the more enjoyable your trekking will be. So, train well ahead in advance and be mentally prepared too. For a more detailed training guide, check out training for Everest base camp .

Changes in Lukla flight

In 2019, the Kathmandu airport (TIA) runway was renovated and expanded causing all Lukla flights to be operated from Ramechap airport. This new change in Lukla flight was announced as a temporary arrangement for 3 months but due to the ease of flight operation to Lukla from Ramechap airport , the civil aviation authority of Nepal (CAAN) carried on with using Ramechap airport until this date.

Ramechap airport is a STOL airport located 150 km east of Kathmandu, 4 hrs drive. The flight time from Ramechap airport to Luka airport is only about 12 minutes and the chances of flight cancellations and delays are very slim as compared to from Kathmandu airport. However, keeping a contingency day for any delays can prevent you from missing your international flights. As someone once said, ”Nothing works the way it should in Nepal. Prepare for the worst and leave wiggle room for when that happens”.

Find out how safe is Lukla airport to fly.

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Everest Base Camp Trek From Lukla

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Everest base camp trek from lukla – 8 days.

Himalaya View Treks organizes an 8-day Everest Base Camp trek from Lukla. It journeys through legendary trails into pretty hamlets with cultivated fields and treks from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. On the way, we view astonishing landscapes & the king of all peaks – Mt. Everest. This is enough to get the adrenaline racing. Most importantly, we do all of it in only 08 days. Why wait? Put your boots into your rucksack & hit the road. It’s now, or never…

8 days Everest Base camp trek from Lukla is with the inborn local guides and sturdy Sherpa porters. Born into this region, they know the trails better than they know themselves. Therefore, this trip is not only a plan to match your timeframes; it also saves you money. You don’t need to pay for a guide’s flight ticket. After your thrilling flight to Lukla touches down we meet our local crew & get friendly with some handshakes. We then begin our hike along the banks of the milky Dudh Kosi River to Phakding village. And so begins our once-in-a-lifetime journey to stand in the shadows of the highest mountain on earth. The Best season to trek from Lukla to Everest base camp is April / May and October/Nov to Dec. Remember us Top of The World Mt. Everest base campfrom Lukla for 2024 / 2025.

Himalaya View Treks is the first Company to promote & support Local Sherpa guides and Porters From Lukla.

HVT is the first company to promote and support local Sherpa guides/porters for the Everest region from Lukla . Our 08-day Everest Base Camp Trek from the Lukla route takes you into the heart of Sherpa country . Moreover, you get to see awesome alpine landscapes & beyond. Similarly, we walk trails that don’t follow the beaten path, which brings us to friendly villages. Further, the trek takes us to Namche Bazaar where we get good acclimatization. In other words, it’s a steep walk up to the Everest View Hotel.

Meanwhile, by coming this far, we’re now well-acclimatized to hike in the footprints of earlier mountain legends. We’re thoroughly set to climb up to base camp as the excitement grows within us. If it’s a spring trip, we’re likely to see a whole lot of colorful expedition tents set up for a ‘King Everest’’ summit. It’s interesting!

Everest Base Camp Trek in 8 Days

Furthermore, our 8-day Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek itinerary includes the Kalapatthar at 5545m/18,192ft. The mind-blowing views of  Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu leave you awestruck. Added to this is a spectacular sunrise with maroon-pink sunrays that seep through the giant mountains. This is an unforgettable moment. Finally, we then walk back to Lukla via Pheriche to celebrate our short EBC trek. If you’re looking for something similar elsewhere, try our ‘ Langtang Valley trek for 8 days, the scenic landscapes here are gripping. The ‘Thorung La Pass trek 10 days’ would be ideal if you’re up for a long-haul vacation. This is a stunning trek in the Annapurna region. Moreover, if you’re experienced enough & want to forget trekking for a while, then try ou r ‘Island peak climb from Chhukung’’. This is a venture where you’ll walk among giants.

Lukla to Everest Base Camp Trek - 8 days Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu, meet with guide and porter, and then trek to Phakding walking distance of 6.2 km (2/3 hours) 2610 M / 8,664 feet)

Day 2: Phakding to Namche walking distance is 7.4 km (5-6 Hours) 3,440m/11,283ft

Day 3: Trek From Namche Bazaar to Pangboche walking distance- of 9.1 km (5 to 6 hours)  3930m/12890ft

Day 4: Trek From Pangboche to Dukla walking distance is 7.9 km (7 hours)4,680m/15,435ft

Day 5: Trek From Dukla to Gorakshep walking distance is 6 km (6-8 hours) (Gorekshep) 5180m/16,994ft & Everest Base Camp 5364m/17598

Day 6:  Gorakshep to Pheriche walking distance 9.8km (5-6 hours)5,545m/18,192ft (Kalapathar) & 4,320m/14,173ft (Pheriche

Day 7: Trek From Pheriche to Namche Walking Distance 14.2 km (5-6 hours) 3440m/11285ft

Day 8: Trek Namche to Lukla Walking Distance 13.5 km (5-6 hours) 2,800 m 9,100 ft

Day 9: Fly back to Kathmandu, Altitude of Kathmandu (1300m) (35 minutes). We woke up early for our flight back to Kathmandu.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: fly to lukla and trek to phakding.

We get ready early in the morning for our flight to Lukla (2,860 meters). We are going to set our foot on the marvelous Everest region. A short and beautiful flight lands us at Lukla Hillary airstrip where incredible mountain views welcome us to the charming mountain region. As soon as we come out of the airport, we get ready to begin the trekking journey. We are trekking to Phakding (2,610 meters) today on a gentle and easy trail that takes us past chhortens, mani walls, prayer flags, etc. to let us know that the region has a big influence of Buddhism. We reach Phakding on the bank of Dudh Koshi River stay overnight at our teahouse lodge. Refresh and dinner- Lukla to Phakding trek distance 6.2 km (3-4 Hours) 2,860 meter/9184ft

Day 02: Trek to Namche bazar from Phagding

We are going to enter Sagarmatha national park on our trek to Namche Bazar today. As we hit the trail from Phakding, we follow the river and cross in some different places over suspension bridges. Once we check at the national park checkpoint at Monjo, we continue walking towards the destination. Although the trail today gives us the pretty tough challenge of traversing uphill trail, we go on a gentle pace to ease the challenge. Stay overnight at our teahouse. Refresh and dinner- Phakding to Namche trek distance is 7.4 km (5-6 Hours) 3,440m/11,283ft

Day 03: Trekking to Pangboche from Namche

You make your way to Pangboche via Namche bazaar. You then make a quick descent to Phunki Tenga and take an upward trail. The trail leading up is covered by a dense forest of pine, birch, and rhododendron. We explore the beautiful settlement of Monjo & Jorsalle before proceeding to Pangboche. These villages display some great Sherpa culture which we learn while interacting with the local folks. Later, we follow the trail to Pangboche, the highest permanent settlement in the Khumbu. Unlike the villagers living in the higher elevations who migrate to the lower reaches during the winter season, most inhabitants of Pangboche choose to live in their village the whole year-round. Overnight bunk out in Pangboche-Namche to Pangboche walking distance- 9.1 km. (5/6 hours trek) 3930m/12890ft

Day 04: Trek to Dukla from Pangboche

After hot and warm breakfast, trekking to Dukla today so we embark on the adventure walk of the day. The trail goes amidst the high towering mountains and passes Pheriche village. We cross a mountain river along the trail to start the uphill challenge. The trail goes pretty much uphill after Pheriche up to Dukla. Overnight at our teahouse lodge, Refresh and dinner – Pangboche to Dukla walking distance is 7.9 km (7 hours)4,680m/15,435ft

Day 05: Trek to Gorakshep & hike to Everest Base Camp

We are going to trek all the way to Everest base camp today. We wake up early in the morning; take our breakfast and quickly get ready for the adventure of the day. With the excitement of reaching the Everest base camp, we set out on the trek of the day. We reach Gorakshep (5,142 meters) and stop for lunch. Gorakshep is also our overnight place for the day so we check into our lodge. Later after lunch, we get ready to trek to the Everest base camp. A gradual ascension through the boulder-strewn path takes us to the epic base camp of the highest mountain in the world. We enjoy our moments there for a while; take pictures and exploit the most out of the time. Later, we trek back to Gorakshep overnight at our teahouse lodge. Refresh and dinner- Dukla to Gorakshep walking distance is 6 km (6-8 hours) (Gorekshep) 5180m/16,994ft & Everest Base Camp 5364m/17598

Day 06: Hike to Kalapatthar & trek back to Pheriche

We have an early morning wake up today as we have to start the hike to Kalapathar before the break of dawn to reach there for sunrise. Early morning challenge of uphill hike brings us such a rewarding view that makes our day. Breathtaking panoramic view of the Mt. Everest and other mountains in the range and sunrise over those mighty peaks make this place a wonderland where we can enjoy the magical mountain marvels. Later we trek back down to our lodge in Gorakshep to have our breakfast and start trekking to Pheriche (4,371 meters) the destination for the day. After enjoying the Everest base camp and Kalapatthar moments, we are now on our return trip down towards Lukla, overnight at our teahouse lodge. Refresh and dinner – Walking distance 9.8 km (5-6 hours)5,545m/18,192ft (Kalapathar) & 4,320m/14,173ft (Pheriche)

Day 07: trek back to Namche from Pheriche

Trek back to Namche Bazar Altitude of Namche (3440m) On our trek along and among the magnificent mountains, we are trekking down to Namche today via Khumjung village. We spend some time at the small and beautiful village, Khumjung that boasts perfect views of mountains including Khumbila peak. We visit a monastery there and head towards Namche overnight at our teahouse lodge. Refresh and dinner- Pheriche to Namche Walking Distance 14.2 km (5-6 hours) 3440m/11285ft

Day 08: Trek back to Lukla from Namche

Trek back to Lukla Altitude of Lukla (2840m) Walking distance 5/6 ) We trek all the way back to Lukla today to finish the trekking journey. We trek past Monjo and Phakding villages; encounter the Dudh Koshi River along the trail and eventually reach Lukla. As the final day of the trek, we can celebrate the beautiful adventure. We see off our trekking potters here today thanking them for all the help they provided to make our trip possible, overnight at our teahouse lodge refresh and dinner- Namche to Lukla Walking Distance 13.5 km (5-6 hours) 2,800 m 9,100 ft

Day 09 fly back to Kathmandu from Lukla

Fly to Kathmandu from Lukla in the morning Altitude of Kathmandu ( 1300m) (35 minutes). We wake up early for our flight back to Kathmandu. We say goodbye to the serene and magnificent mountains and board the flight to come back to the city civilization. The rest of the afternoon in Kathmandu will be at leisure. Walking around the streets of Kathmandu; souvenir shopping; finding a massage or relaxing at the hotel can be easy ways to spend time.

• Both ways Flight Ticket Kathmandu - Lukla - Kathmandu) tickets including airport taxes
• All meals (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your Everest Base Camp Trek
• 8 nights Hotel Accommodation during Everest Base camp Trek
• Government licensed holder, fluent English Speaking, Familiar HVT guide from Lukla
• One assistant guide if Group sizes is more than 10 trekkers)
• Strong local Porters for Carry trekker’s luggage One porter every 2 trekkers
• Guide and porter wages including their meals, accommodation, and Salary
• Staff insurance including medication coverage
• Equipment for the Company staff
• Water purification drop or tablets for safe drinking water
• Sagarmatha National Park entry permit fee
• Khumbu Pashang Lhamu Rural Municipality permits fees
• Seasonal fresh fruits every day during Everest Base Camp trek
• Oximeter to measure Pulse and oxygen level
• Company T-shirt as a Souvenirs, and duffle bag if needed
• Local government, taxes, including official Service Charge
• Trip completion Certificate

Not Included

• Hotel accommodation and meals In Kathmandu
• Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery charge fee during the Everest base camp Trek)
• Personal clothing and trekking gear
• Personal travel insurance including evacuation coverage (compulsory) up to 6000m)
• Additional costs if delays flights and outside the itinerary
• All the costs and expenses which are not mentioned in includes list
• Tips for guide and porters in end of the treks

Join Us Upcoming Trips

Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us .

Everest Base Camp Trek From Lukla Key Highlights:

• first-rate acclimatization, which gives high success rates and fulfilling enjoyment
• Trek to both Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar. The views leave you breathless
• In addition to immense rugged mountains, witness everything from still alpine lakes and glacial plains to frothy milky rivers and valleys covered in pink blossoms, depending on the season of your trip
• A trek like this gives you the great bonding experience of a lifetime and the genuine friendship formed between members of your small group will stay with you forever.
• Your first views of the mighty Himalayan range on the included flight from Kathmandu to Lukla – the famous airport in the sky, are your welcome warm-up to a great trip.

Is this your ideal trek?

Trekking in the Everest region is all about attitude. By its very nature adventure travel involves that you be prepared for the unexpected. In far-flung and developing countries do not expect the standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To enjoy your trip and get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive, and eager to take on all the challenges that arise from your Everest base camp odyssey. If you’re a greenhorn in the wilderness world then this trek would be ideal for you.

To truly enjoy this trip, you should be pretty habituated to walking 4-6 hours each day for several days on the go while some days will be relatively longer. We encourage you to walk at a pace that suits you without any rush whatsoever. This is a key aspect of enjoying such trips in the planet’s most popular region. You ought to be physically fit and an active walker to get the best of this classic mountainous journey to the south side of the mighty Everest.

General information important to this trip:

Difficulty levels

TREKKING AT HIGH ALTITUDES (over 3500m)

This trip includes strenuous trekking at altitudes of over 3500m. For us, altitude is a very serious issue, a result that has kept our records clean making us one of the best adventure operators in Nepal for over 30 years of operating treks in the region. Our trekking guests must be in great health and have high fitness levels to attempt this trip, as well as be committed to training to ensure you are suitably physically prepared for the tough challenges that go above 4500m.

Altitude sickness is a risk for anyone, including on the Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest Base Camp treks. Please make sure you familiarise yourself with signs and symptoms before you depart and monitor your own health during your trek, without letting it worry you.

We advise all our guests to undergo a thorough medical with their personal physician before they embark on this trip.

Participating in a group trip

When you travel with a group you will find much camaraderie and all the fun and also there’s bound to be some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your group mates will probably come from all corners of the world and you will come across a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure you’re on time without keeping the rest of the group waiting. Experience has taught us often that the very best trips we operate are those where the chemistry within the group works well - this simply requires a ‘give a little take a little’ attitude effort on your part. For privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

TRAVELLERS who prefer going SOLO:

Our group trips are generally planned for shared accommodation and don't involve single supplements. Single travelers share with people of the same gender in accommodations ranging from twin to multi-share. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed-gender share basis [for couples or trekkers known to each other prior to the trip]. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the trek - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single-room basis at your hotel in Kathmandu. We also have arrangements for guests who wish to trek completely solo out of the group.

Travel Insurance

when booking with Himalaya View Treks , it’s a condition upon joining any of our trips that all clients must be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don't arrange or sell insurance because such a system is not allowed in our country.

Our Cost versus the Experience

At Himalaya View Treks , we always go the mile to ensure our trekking guests get the best experiences of the trip with maximum comfort and safety on a ratio that goes beyond the cost that we charge for the trip. We provide a ‘no frills’ price with breakdowns to make sure our clients are getting the best for a cost that goes beyond all expectations

Tipping [an expectation on such risky arduous trips]

Tipping is very much part of the culture in Nepal and although entirely at your discretion, it is usually expected. Often people would like to tip in recognition of good service but are unsure how much would be appropriate in a foreign country - for this reason, we have listed guideline amounts below (these are intended as a guideline only and you may see fit to give more or less depending on the service that you have received).

For the tipping of your trek staff and your tour leader, we suggest passing an envelope for each staff member around the group so that everyone can put in what they feel comfortable with anonymously.

The following are guideline amounts received by each staff member from the group as a whole...

• Tour Leader: Rs30,000 - 35,000 (usually tipped on the last night in Kathmandu)
• Your trekking crew (tips are usually given on the last evening of the trek in Lukla):
• Head Trekking Guide and Assistant Guides: Rs20,000 - 25,000 for each guide
• Trek Porters/yak men: Rs10, 000 for each porter or yak man

Acute Mountain Sickness [AMS]

When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of oxygen available. So, to allow our bodies to adjust we have designed our treks in ways that help you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatization to occur when you go above the tree lines where the air is thinner. However, during the acclimatization process, you may experience some of the following symptoms.

• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face

But if you feel such symptoms don’t let it worry because it’s normal. Individuals acclimatize at different rates. Some may experience symptoms, some may not. Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first-aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms as you go higher. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note, that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist. As a last resort, if matters grow from bad to worse, we always have a helicopter on standby for immediate evacuation.

A Typical Day on the Everest Base Camp Trek

A typical day on the trail begins with a wake-up call at around 6 AM by your guide. Freshen up and get ready. Pack your belongings and head to the dining area for breakfast by 7 AM. Check your luggage for the final time and fill your water bottle before you hit the trail by 8 AM, along with your guide.

To avoid walking in the heat and enjoy clear mountain views, you make an early start. En route, there will be short breaks to enjoy the views and take photographs. You haul up for lunch at a local teahouse around noon or mid-day. After a quick rest of about an hour or 40 minutes, you get back on the trail and continue till you reach your overnight stop.

Upon reaching the stop for the night, you head to your teahouse, check-in, and have some rest. Tea with some light refreshments (cookies or biscuits) will be served at 5 p.m. As the rooms are not insulated, you can warm yourself with the heater or stove in the communal area.

Exchange stories or play cards with other trekkers and sherpas till dinner is served (around 7 PM). After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s trek – the route you will take, the difficulties, where you will stop for lunch, etc. Afterward, retire for the night and have a well-deserved rest.

On average, you may have to walk 6 to 7 hours daily. The trek to Phakding is the shortest and the easiest, while the hike to Everest Base Camp from Dukla on the 5th day could be your toughest. On Day 6, a hike to Kalapathar for the sunrise view is scheduled. So you will have to wake up before 4 AM to reach Kalapathar before sunrise. Your guide will share the details regarding the hike during the after-dinner briefing on Day 5.

Are You Already in Nepal?

If you are already in Kathmandu or Pokhara and seeking to Hire a guide/porter or tour/trekking packages then you can directly contact an expert via WhatsApp at +9779841146306.   Or visit our office:-   Himalaya View Treks   Kaldhara Marg, Kathmandu 44600, in front of the Kathmandu Sport Climbing Center 1st-floor building.

The weather forecast says rain/clouds/snow in Lukla on our Flight Day. Are we in for a rough flight?

When you are up on the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you be ready for anything. You’re about to trek on some of the most rugged territory on earth, despite its extraordinary beauty. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day; the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.

What temperatures can you expect at the EBC during spring and autumn?

These are the best months to do this trek, as the weather is mild and the temperatures range from 12 to 15 degrees. The skies generally remain clear and the days are pleasant and warm. You can expect an occasional spring shower and hazy weather during spring. The mountain views are stunning in September, as there is more snow on the mountains. Nights can be freezing as the temperature dips after sun down.

How much do you reckon I will need to spend on the trail per day?

If you have booked a package with us you won’t be spending much as accommodation and 3 meals are already included in your trip price. You may have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, extra snacks, hot showers, electronic device charging, wifi etc. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000-3000) per day will be more than enough you may need to spend in a day.

What do you recommend for water along the Everest trek?

You can either buy bottled mineral water or fill up a reusable water bottle with boiled or sterilized water. During the trek, the teahouses or lodges serve you bottled and filtered water which is generally safe and has to be paid for. A liter of water would cost anything between 1 to 4 USD. As you go higher the cost of all commodities, including water, increases. But do note there is no dearth or scarcity of drinking water at teahouses. We encourage our guest to use iodine and other purifying agents to treat the water before drinking. You need to drink at least 3-4 liters of water each day to stay hydrated at higher altitudes. Keeping your body hydrated helps you to keep away the symptoms of altitude sickness. Please note, the company doesn’t provide drinking water or any extra drinks or beverages other than the ones that are specified in the trip cost.

How much tips should I give to the guide, porter and driver?

While tipping is not mandatory it is a nice way of showing your appreciation to the people who have helped you enrich your holiday experience. It all depends on how far you are pleased and satisfied with their services. There is no fixed amount, but many of our clients offer 8-10 percent of the total tour price as tips.

Is it hard to climb Everest Base Camp?

You need to be in good shape and have an ability to walk 6–7 hours uphill and downhill per day. This trek is suitable for passionate trekkers. Positive attitude, excellent health, and strong determination are required for be successful on a trip of this kind. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Besides, it is advisable to trek with a highly reputed trek operator who knows what it’s like in this part of the world, with experienced guides who can help you with significant mental preparation to keep you going all the way, as tough as it gets. Regarding the difficulty, the only challenging factor is the altitude. Our Everest Base Camp trek itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization. Neither ropes nor ice picks are needed for this trip and no vertical climbs are involved. Greenhorns in good physical shape, who exercise regularly, has positive attitude and has healthy heart and lungs can easily complete this adventurous trip.

How long do we stay at Everest Base Camp? Can we spend the night at the Base Camp?

As Everest Base Camp is situated at a high altitude of 5,364 metres, you spend only 1 to 2 hours at the camp. Since the base camp lies at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain Mount Everest, the hike to EBC is probably the highlight of your trek. Though one cannot view the summit of Mount Everest from the base camp (as the mountain is too huge) you can get close up views of the massive walls of Everest, Khumbutse, Lingtren and Nuptse. The Khumbu Icefall appears spectacular. Though the icefall lies close to the Base Camp, it is not possible to explore it as you need proper climbing gear to walk on it. But you get to explore the actual base camp of the Everest expedition groups. During climbing season, it is like a mini city of tents and you get to meet mountaineers (sometimes celebrities too!) from different countries attempting to summit Mount Everest. After taking pictures and soaking in the magnificent views you descend down to Gorak Shep again. Please do note the visibility of mountains depends on the weather. If it’s foggy you may not get good views of the mountains. No, we do not spend the night at Everest Base Camp as there are no teahouses or lodges there. Moreover it is advisable and more comfortable to spend the night at a lower elevation. After enjoying the views we trek down to Gorak Shep and stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Can you see the summit of Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp?

No, the summit of Mount Everest is not visible from Everest Base Camp. Rising above 8000 metres, the mountain is just too gigantic to be viewed in its entirety from its base. The summit of Everest can be viewed from Kalapathar and from places en route to EBC. If you want to view Mount Everest without having to trek to Everest region, you can do it by driving to Nagarkot, taking an Everest Mountain Flight and an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. The best views you get of Mount Everest is from Kalapathar. It leaves you breathless, virtually!

What sort of toilet facilities will be available on the Everest Trek?

In all our Everest Treks the teahouses that we use have western toilets. In luxury lodges and teahouses in the lower elevations the rooms come with attached bathrooms and hot showers. At higher elevations the facilities may be a bit basic and you may have to share the bathroom with other travellers. Please do note that in case of extreme cold, the water in the toilet basin may freeze and you may have to use an Asian (also known as ‘squat’) style of toilet that is located outside. Please do carry toilet paper rolls with you at all times. It is important that you carry enough rolls of toilet paper and hand sanitizers while trekking. Can I make payment with my credit card or with my cash while Everest trekking? You need to have local currency to purchase items on the trail. While Lukla and Namche in the Everest Region may have lodges that would accept payment with cards, we strongly advise to carry enough local cash with you to buy essential items en route. You can exchange your currency at any of the money exchange centres in Kathmandu or use your credit or debit card at the local ATMs to get local currency.

Where can I store my extra luggage while trekking?

You can store it at your hotel (most hotels in Kathmandu have storage facilities) or you can leave it at our office.

Is there WIFI available on the Everest Base Camp trail?

Yes, wifi hotspots are available on the Everest Base Camp trail. But please do keep in mind, due to the mountainous terrain the network maybe erratic sometimes. Often times the signal gets lost or the strength is poor.

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Home » Blog » Everest » Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

by Jayaram Thapaliya · Updated September 6, 2023

The total distance of the most popular Everest Base Camp Trek is 130 km which will start from Lukla and ends also in Lukla.

For those who have previous trekking or hiking experience, the EBC trek distance from Kathmandu is not so far. The 138km distance you’ll cross by plane to get to the gateway of Everest(Lukla) whereas Lukla Everest Base Camp 65km and Base Camp to Lukla 65km is not so far.

Excluding rest day on our 14 days standard Everest Base Camp Trek, we will trek mainly for 9 days. So the average walk Each day during the Everest Trek is 9km(135km/9 days) per day.

If you go through a trekking agency, mostly they provide porters in the trekking package to carry the guest backpack. So in my opinion without a heavy pack, a 9km walk is not a difficult journey even though it’s high altitude trekking.

How many kilometers we should walk each day during Everest Base Camp Trek?

• Day 1: 9 km Trekking (Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding in 4 hours)
• Day 2: 12 km(Phakding to Namche Bazaar 6 hours )
• Day 3: NA ( Acclimatization day)
• Day 4: 11 km (Namche Bazaar to Tengboche 6 hours)
• Day 5: 12 km (Tengboche to Dingboche 7 hours)
• Day 6: NA (Rest Day)
• Day 7 : 12 km (Dingboche to Lobuche 6 hours)
• Day 8: 8 km ( Lobuche to Gorak Shep 4 hours)
• Day 9: 22 km (Gorak Shep to EBC and back to Dingboche 8 hours)
• Day 10: 24 km (Dingboche to Namche Bazaar 9 hours)
• Day 11: 21 km (Namche Bazaar to Lukla)
• Day 12: 138km (Lukla to Kathmandu 35 minutes)

There are several ways to get Everest Base Camp to see Everest Base Camp. The distance of Everest Base Camp Hike depends on the Starting point and Ending Point of the trek.

Mainly your duration of holidays decides how much distance you should walk each day. If the EBC trek length is 14 days there should be 9 days trek and on average 15km a day trekkers should walk.

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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance: Complete Overview

Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a mesmerizing adventure that beckons trekkers from around the globe. This iconic journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring grandeur of Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, and immerse oneself in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscapes. As we embark on this exhilarating expedition, we are not only enthralled by the challenge it poses but also captivated by the profound serenity of the remote Himalayan region. The Everest Base Camp Trek Distance is a great curiosity and intriguing topic for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts planning to take on this remarkable feat. Covering a vast expanse of rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems, this trek is an epic pilgrimage that allows us to trace the footsteps of legendary mountaineers and explorers who have dared to conquer the world’s mightiest summit.

Stretching through the heart of the Khumbu Valley in Nepal, the trek presents an unforgettable odyssey, unveiling the raw magnificence of the Himalayan realm. The trail meanders through ancient Sherpa villages, where traditions and culture have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. From lush green forests to rocky moraines, cascading rivers to frozen glaciers, the landscape transforms dramatically, unfolding a symphony of natural wonders at every turn.

In this blog, we will delve into the details of the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance, shedding light on the various routes trekkers can take and the average length of the journey. We will also discuss the challenges and rewards that come hand in hand with this extraordinary expedition, as well as essential tips and preparations for a safe and fulfilling trekking experience.

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

The total Everest Base Camp Trek Distance is 130 Kilometers approx / 81 miles approx. This is based on the standard 12-day itinerary from Lukla to Everest Base Camp to Lukla.

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary with Distance

Lukla to Phakding. Distance: 8 km/ 4.9 miles.

Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Distance: 11 km/ 6.8 miles.

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. Distance: 11 km/ 6.8 miles.

Tengboche to Dingboche. Distance: 10.5 km/ 6.5 miles.

Dingboche to Lobuche. Distance: 9 km/ 5.5 miles.

Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep. Distance: 12 km/ 7.4 miles.

Gorakshep to Kalapatthar back to Gorakshep. Then continue the trek to Pheriche. Distance: 16 km/ 9.9 miles.

Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. Distance: 19 km/ 11.8 miles. 

Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Distance: 19 km/ 11.8 miles.

Note: During this whole trip, you have to walk 4-7 hours every day on average.

Everest Base Camp Trek Route Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek, a journey that epitomizes adventure and wonder, follows a well-trodden path through the heart of the Khumbu Valley in Nepal. Commencing with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, or during peak seasons from Ramechhap’s Manthali Airport, trekkers are introduced to the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. The first leg of the trek leads to Phakding, a charming village situated along the Dudh Koshi River.

Continuing onward, the route ventures into the renowned Sagarmatha National Park, where trekkers encounter lush forests, majestic waterfalls, and the first of many suspension bridges to be crossed. The trail then ascends steadily to reach Namche Bazaar, a bustling Sherpa town, and a crucial acclimatization point. Here, an acclimatization day allows for exploration of the nearby Syangboche and the enchanting vistas of Char Camp.

The journey continues to Deboche, passing through Tyangboche, home to the region’s oldest and most revered monastery. The spiritual ambiance of Tyangboche is truly captivating. From there, the path leads to Dingboche, offering breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, a stunning Himalayan peak.

To acclimatize further, trekkers take a day’s rest in Dingboche and can opt for a challenging hike to Nangkartshang Peak, standing at an impressive 5,121 meters. As the trek progresses, the landscape transitions into rugged, high-altitude terrain, leading to Lobuche, the last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp.

The anticipation reaches its zenith as trekkers finally set foot on Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, an exhilarating experience that puts them in the very heart of the world’s tallest peak. A sunrise hike to Kalapathar offers an unparalleled panorama of Everest and its neighboring peaks, making the arduous ascent truly rewarding.

After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, trekkers return to Gorakshep for lunch before making their way back down to Pheriche. The return journey traces the steps back through Dingboche and Namche Bazaar, as the familiarity of the route brings a sense of accomplishment.

As the trek draws to a close, trekkers head back to Lukla, cherishing the memories of their extraordinary expedition to the Everest Base Camp. This remarkable journey has not only allowed them to conquer distances and altitudes but has also offered an opportunity to embrace the majestic beauty and cultural richness of the Khumbu region.

In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp Trek Route encompasses a series of challenging yet exhilarating stages, each unfolding a new facet of the Himalayan grandeur. As trekkers traverse these rugged terrains and immerse themselves in the soul-stirring vistas, they embark on an unforgettable quest that leaves an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

Day-to-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

In the Day-to-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Distance section, we will provide a detailed breakdown of the trekking distances covered each day, allowing trekkers to plan their journey efficiently. From the starting point in Lukla, the trail’s daily distances will be outlined, including the notable landmarks and villages along the way. By the end of the trek, we will reveal the total distance traveled, providing a comprehensive overview of the entire expedition.

Additionally, we will estimate the approximate time it takes to complete the trek, considering various factors such as altitude, acclimatization days, and individual pace. With this invaluable information, trekkers can prepare both physically and mentally, ensuring a successful and fulfilling Everest Base Camp Trek experience.

Additional Kathmandu to Lukla Flight Distance Information

KTM – LUK: 135 KM

Time: 30 mins

Note: During the peak season in the month of March, April, October, and November, Lukla flights are carried from the Ramechhap Manthali Airport.

KTM – Ramechhap Road Distance: 131 KM approx.

Time: 4/5 hours by private transportation

Ramechhap – Lukla: 74KM

Time: 20 mins

Alternative Everest Base Camp Trek Routes and Side Treks

For trekkers seeking a more diverse experience, there are alternative Everest Base Camp trek routes and side treks to explore. One option is the Gokyo Lakes Trek , which diverges from the main trail at Namche Bazaar and leads to the serene turquoise Gokyo Lakes, offering stunning views of Cho Oyu , the world’s sixth-highest peak. Another alternative is the Three Passes Trek , a challenging route that crosses three high mountain passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—providing an immersive journey through remote landscapes and lesser-visited regions.

Suggested Itineraries for Various Durations

Standard Itinerary (14-16 days): The standard itinerary includes ample acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, allowing for a safer ascent. Trekkers visit Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche before reaching Everest Base Camp and returning to Lukla.

Extended Itinerary (18-20 days): For those seeking a more relaxed pace and side treks, this itinerary includes the Gokyo Lakes Trek. Trekkers venture to Gokyo, cross Cho La Pass, and merge with the main route to reach Everest Base Camp. The return journey includes an ascent of Kala Patthar for sunrise views before heading back to Lukla.

Three Passes Trek Itinerary (19-21 days): This challenging itinerary takes trekkers on a thrilling adventure across the three high passes—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Along the way, they visit the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp, experiencing a more off-the-beaten-path exploration of the Khumbu region.

Gokyo + Cho La Pass + Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

Everest Three High Passes Trek Distance

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance: Factors to Consider

Altitude and Terrain Impact

The altitude gain and the challenging terrain can influence the Everest Base Camp distances covered each day. As trekkers ascend to higher altitudes, the pace may naturally slow down due to reduced oxygen levels and the body adjusting to the harsher conditions. Additionally, some segments of the trek might require shorter distances to ensure a gradual ascent and proper acclimatization. The inclusion of acclimatization days provides trekkers with a chance to rest and acclimate, impacting the overall trekking distance and duration.

To mitigate the impact of altitude and terrain, trekkers are advised to maintain a steady pace, stay well-hydrated, and listen to their bodies. The trekking itinerary is thoughtfully designed to allow for proper acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring a more enjoyable experience. Trekking in the company of experienced guides also provides valuable support and guidance, making it easier for trekkers to navigate the challenges posed by the Himalayan environment.

Acclimatization

Acclimatization days are pivotal in the Everest Base Camp Trek, profoundly impacting the overall distance covered. By allowing trekkers’ bodies to adapt gradually to the increasing altitude, these essential rest days help prevent altitude sickness and reduce health risks associated with higher elevations. The physical endurance of trekkers is enhanced as muscles recover and energy levels replenish during these much-needed breaks.

Additionally, acclimatization days offer an opportunity for exploration, allowing trekkers to venture to higher altitudes and witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. By fostering self-awareness about their bodies’ response to altitude-related challenges, trekkers can make informed decisions, ensuring a steady and safe ascent toward Everest Base Camp.

FAQs Regarding the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

How long is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The total distance covered during the Everest Base Camp Trek is approximately 130 kilometers (around 80 miles). This distance includes the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back to Lukla, as well as the side treks and acclimatization days at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche.

How many days does it take to complete the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The duration of the Everest Base Camp Trek varies depending on the chosen itinerary. The standard trek typically takes around 14-16 days, including acclimatization days. However, trekkers can opt for shorter itineraries of 10-12 days or longer ones spanning 18-20 days or more, incorporating side treks to Gokyo Lakes or the Three Passes.

What is the daily trekking distance during the Everest Base Camp Trek?

On average, trekkers cover around 10-15 kilometers per day during the Everest Base Camp Trek. However, the daily distance varies depending on the specific itinerary and altitude gain. Some days might involve longer distances, while others, especially during acclimatization periods, may have shorter hikes.

How difficult is the Everest Base Camp Trek route?

The Everest Base Camp Trek route is challenging due to the rugged terrain, steep ascents and descents, and high altitude. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, it is achievable for trekkers with determination and a positive mindset.

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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Length and Elevation Guide

a journey to the highest base camp on earth......

• Updated on Jul 2, 2023

Notice: Nepal bans solo trekking for foreigners, coming into effect from 1st April 2023

There is no doubt about the popularity of Everest Base Camp Trek  ( 15-Day ) which has always been rated among the top ten destinations for trekkers around the globe. Now, the question is why travelers prefer to hike all the way to Everest despite its difficulty. A very simple answer will be due to its diversity of nature and culture.

Table of Contents

The entire region of Everest also known as the Khumbu Region is one of the UNESCO heritage  situated at the highest altitude. This region also is the highest settlement area of the world mainly inhabited by the Sherpas.

Without entering further into the unrelated topic which I have included in my other blogs. Let’s talk about the distance for the Everest Base Camp Trek  ( 9-Day )

Trekking all the way to Everest Base Camp  ( 16-Day ) is a strenuous climb uphill but is accessible to accomplish the target if some minor requirements are fulfilled (this is mainly recommended for those trekkers who are first at such an altitude and are layman related to Himalayan treks).

Now dragging myself towards my intention of this blog. To speak there are two different trails to follow all the way to Everest Base Camp. Among them, one is the oldest route which was followed by the first expedition team of Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 and is also the longest route to Everest Base Camp  ( 12-Day )

Let’s talk about both the Everest Base Camp Trekking  ( 13-Day ) trekking route separately and how it goes, along with all the detailed information:

• Trek to Everest Base Camp via Lukla
• Trek to Everest Base Camp via Jiri

Now let’s deal separately with the distance, altitude, and route of both trails taking us to the same point of Everest Base Camp.

Trek to Everest Base Camp Via Lukla

Trekking to Everest Base Camp through Lukla is the shortest way to the highest base camp on earth. Here you can enjoy a short scenic flight from Kathmandu airport to Lukla airport which is just around a 30-minute flight and can hike all the way to Phakding on the very same day.

This will reduce your 7 days via Jiri which is just a one-way hike uphill. On the other hand, you can spend two extra nights for acclimatization while ascending the Everest Base Camp. This makes the trek shorter, easier, less time-consuming, and also budget and affordable.

Further, descending downhill you can take a short flight back to Kathmandu Airport through Lukla Airport . This two-way hike to EBC is just 130 km (80 miles), which is to be completed in 9 days with 2 additional days for acclimatizations. Thus, making the entire trip an 11 days hike from Lukla to Lukla.

But an extra day is required to take a flight back to Kathmandu airport early in the morning. Let’s see how the Itinerary for the Everest Trek Via Lukla goes:

• The above-mentioned flight distance is the aerial distance between the overnight camp but the overall distance for the Everest Base Camp trek including the short hike during the acclimatization day will be 130 km which is the distance to be trekked during the trip ascending uphill and descending all the way downhill, keeping the measuring point as Lukla airport.

Trek to Everest Base Camp Via Jiri

This trail to Everest Base Camp is one of the first but longest trails to Everest. The popularity of the Jiri trail was highlighted in 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first summited to the top.

This dual accomplishment led the world to recognize Mt. Everest as the highest mountain and can be submitted, also brought a glimpse of the possibility for others to keep a record.

As I have already mentioned Everest Base Camp trek from Jiri is the longest route but is shorter than the first climbers used to hike all to the summit point. This is so because now trekkers can drive all the way to Jiri from Kathmandu which was not possible some decades ago.

Although it is shorter than used to be but still it is longer than the other short trail to Everest. If you are planning to trek from Jiri to Everest Base Camp and descend to Kathmandu without a flight option, then the entire trip from Jiri to Kathmandu will be of 22-25 days depending upon the route you follow.

For many trekkers, it might be difficult to arrange a long holiday for the Everest Trek ( 10-Day ) but few do to date follow the Hillary trail to Everest. Now, let’s see how the Itinerary for the Everest Trek Via Jiri goes:

Still, you are desperate to trek Everest Base Camp Via Jiri which is the oldest route as well but worried about arranging a long vacation. Relax I will help you with how to make this route shorter. This Everest Base Camp Trek Via Jiri can be customized into a 20-day trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. For this, we need to thank Lukla Airport. Let’s see how this Itinerary goes:

Which is the best and easy way to hike Everest Base Camp Trek

Although there are two different ways to hike all the way to Everest Base Camp (through Jiri and Lukla) the most popular date trail is no doubt the Lukla trail. Hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp is a challenging task due to its altitude and time consuming but the beauty of the trial is mesmerizing.

Despite its difficulty, the Everest Base Camp trail is gaining popularity all around the world. This is also because now you can customize the trail to just a 12-day hike from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and all the way back to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp trek can be shortened when you take a domestic flight to Lukla Airport from Kathmandu. This minimizes the 135km distance in just 30-minute and when we do the same while descending it minimizes our 135km more in just the same 30 minutes, which means in just an hour we will be able to cover 270km.

Upon landing at the Lukla airport, our real adventure to Everest begins all the way through the low alpine into the high Himalayas taking us to the highest altitude of 5545 meters at Kalapatthar and 5364 meters at the base camp of Mt. Everest.

Hiking through Lukla will reduce your required number of days for the trek along with the cost. This route is popular and also affordable for any trekkers, making one accomplish their dream of being at the base of the highest mountain on earth.

On the other hand, if you follow the old route to Everest Base Camp which is through Jiri or Salleri. This will take not less than 22-25 days to complete the trial, avoiding the flight (both ways). As the number of days increases the cost of the trip also does and driving all the way to Jiri or Salleri is also not an easy drive, it takes around 10-11 hours to reach the starting point of the trek off-road.

Now, to share my experience without any doubt I will recommend Everest Base Camp Trek Via Lukla which is affordable, and less time-consuming with scenic flights of the Himalayas.

For more information WhatsApp: +977-9841161593 or Email: [email protected]

Kumar Lamsal

Kumar is one of the Co-founders and Managing directors of Discover Altitude holding 18 years of experience in the tourism sector of Nepal. He has trekked to almost all the popular regions of Nepal and is an authorized trekking and tour guide.

Started his career as a porter to support his study, now holds MPhil and LLB degree, and is doing his Ph.D. in religious studies. He loves traveling to the Himalayas and has deep knowledge about religion, culture, and history.

Kumar is also involved in the teaching sector as a part-timer to deliver his research related to the cultural and religious diversity of Nepal and is the one who mostly answers your queries giving them his personal touch through his decade-long experience.

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What is the hiking distance between Lukla and Everest Base Camp?

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Lukla to Phakding | Everest Base Camp Trek Day 1

By: Author Charles

Posted on May 8, 2023

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most iconic multi day treks in the world. This 11 day trek from the small town of Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back will have you hiking next to valleys, rivers, villages, mountainsides, glaciers and more.

I am putting together day by day guides for the trek so you will have a better understanding of what to expect on a daily basis and how to best prepare for your time in the Himalayas. The following guide will walk you through the first day of the Everest Base Camp trek.

Out of the 11 day Everest Base Camp trek, this will be your easiest and one of the shortest days of trekking. But it is a perfect way to begin getting used to the altitude and the trail terrain in general. Read on to learn more!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Lukla to Phakding Overview

After flying out from Kathmandu, you will soon arrive at the Tenzing Hillary Airport in the mountain town of Lukla (note that flights sometimes only depart from Ramechhap, a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu).

Once you arrive, it is time for your first day of hiking as you make your way from Lukla to Phakding.

Below are some quick stats about the Lukla to Phakding trekking experience:

Everest Base Camp Trek Day 1: Lukla to Phakding

Starting Point : Lukla

Lukla Elevation : 9,318 feet / 2,840 meters

Ending Point : Phakding

Phakding Elevation : 8,563 feet / 2,610 meters

Distance : 5.1 miles / 8.2 kilometers

Duration : 3 hours

Elevation Gain : 909 feet / 277 meters

Net Elevation Gain : -755 feet / -230 meters

» Elevation gain is the true amount of elevation gained for the portion of the trail. Net elevation is just the difference in elevation between Lukla and Phakding.

» Learn more about the day by day distances, elevations, and durations of the Everest Base Camp Trek .

» Read more about the Kathmandu to Lukla Flight experience before heading out

2) Lukla to Phakding Elevation Profile

As you can see, although there will be an elevation loss on the first day (since Phakding is lower than Lukla), you still will still be gaining 909 feet of elevation during day 1 of the trek.

Below is the elevation profile of the Lukla to Phakding hiking trail:

3) Everest Base Camp Trek Day 1 Map

Below is a satellite map view of the route from Lukla to Phakding to give you a bit better idea of what the route will look like.

You will start down below in Lukla before heading into the valley up above and along the river as you make your way to Phakding.

4) Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List

You will want to pack accordingly for this 11 day trek in the Himalayas. I put together a complete Everest Base Camp Packing List that goes over every single item I brought along on the trail.

On the first day on the trail, I started early in the AM right after I landed, when it was still a bit chilly. But soon enough I was just in a t-shirt and shorts (even in November!). Believe me though, you will need those layers very soon!

• Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Merino Wool Crew Mens | Darn Tough Merino Wool Crew Womens
• Hiking Pants: Eddie Bauer Men’s Guide Pro Pants   | Eddie Bauer Women’s Guide Pro Pants
• Fleece: Columbia Men’s Ascender Softshell  | Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge II Softshell
• Rain Jacket: Columbia Men’s Watertight II | Columbia Women’s Arcadia II
• Hiking Shoes: KEEN Men’s Targhee III | KEEN Women’s Targhee III
• Hiking Backpack: Osprey Atmos 65 | Osprey Renn 65
• Trekking Map | NatGeo Waterproof Map
• Solar Power Bank | Anker 20,000mAh Solar Power Bank
• Deodorizing Body Wipes  | Alcala Bamboo Deodorizing Body Wipes

5) Arriving in Lukla

Once you arrive in Lukla, you can head down the main street, past the airport viewing area, and then grab some food at one of the restaurants / teahouses if you haven’t eaten already.

From there, as you continue down the main street you will come by the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Office. Here you will need to purchase the first out of your two permits for the region.

The permit fee is Rs 2000 or about $17 USD. All you need to show here is your passport, and they will fill out the permit, which you must hold onto for the duration of the trek.

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6) Lukla to Phakding Trekking

As you can see from the elevation profile above, most of this portion of trail will be downhill, however you will come across some short uphill sections sprawled throughout the trail too.

The trail will be a mix between dirt, stone pathways, and some rocky sections as well. From a technical standpoint though it is a pretty easy portion of trail to maneuver and. you should have no trouble getting yourself along.

What I loved about the trek in general is although you will be staying in some of the more well known villages during the duration of your time in the region, you will also be passing by countless smaller villages as well.

These villages will just be made up of a few buildings here and there but it is always great to see and interact with the locals throughout the trail.

Since Lukla to Phakding is on the lower portion of the trail, you will see way more greenery all around you. There will be plenty of trees and fauna with some mountains peeking out in the distance.

Also, be sure to look out for all the various animals that will be carrying supplies out and back from Lukla. This is true for the entirety of the trail but you will see plenty of yak, donkeys, horses, and more.

Lastly, you will also come across a few shorter suspension bridges from time to time (with plenty more to come on day 2).

As you approach Phakding you will get some great views of the Dhudh Kosi River as well before making it into the main town area.

Once you arrive go find a place to stay, have some lunch, and just relax for the remainder of the afternoon. You will have a big day 2 ahead!

7) Phakding Teahouse / Accommodation

I wouldn’t overthink your accommodation choices too much on the trail in general. I found all the places I stayed at pretty much the same give or take.

Essentially, rooms will cost Rs 500 (less than $5 USD) for the most part, given you eat your meals at the teahouse as well.

In Phakding I stayed at the Trekker’s Lodge & Restaurant located in the middle of town. Some other options to choose from include Shangri-La, Green Village Guest House, and Royal Sherpa Resort, among several others.

Take a look at this in depth overview of the Everest Base Camp Trek as well as the below guides I put together for each day of the journey:

Day 1 – Lukla to Phakding

Day 2 – Phakding to Namche Bazaar

Day 3 – Hotel Everest View Acclimatization

Day 4 – Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Day 5 – Tengboche to Dingboche

Day 6 – Nangkartshang Acclimatization

Day 7 – Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 8 – Lobuche to Gorak Shep & Everest Base Camp

Day 9 – Kalapathar & Gorak Shep to Pheriche

Day 10 – Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

Day 11 – Namche Bazaar to Lukla

That about does it for day 1 of the Everest Base Camp trek. If you have any questions about the day or the trail in general, write them in below.

Be sure to check out the other Nepal itineraries and guides up on the site (like why I would recommend an Everest Base Camp Trek in November ). Have fun out there and safe travels.

Related posts:

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Thursday 24th of November 2022

I think what you also need to communicate to people planning on flying from Kathmandu-Lukla in peak trekking seasons - the flights DO NOT depart from Kathmandu! The flights actually depart from Ramechamp airport about a 4.5hour drive from Kathmandu - due to air traffic congestion at Kathamndu airport. This has been the case for a few years now. So departure by minibus from Thamel/Kathmandu along rough roads is at 2:00am to arrive at Ramechamp at about 6:30am. Many trekkers are still unaware of this until they first arrive in Kathamndu!

Saturday 7th of January 2023

@Charles, I just got back from EBC in Dec and we flew from Ramechapp as this person described. So it's still happening.

Sunday 27th of November 2022

Hi Stew - this was the case at one point and then the flights once again returned to Kathmandu. Good to know that may not still be the case today. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Climbers have turned Mount Everest into a high-altitude garbage dump, but sustainable solutions are within reach

S pring is go time for climbers who hope to summit Mount Everest, Earth’s highest peak above sea level. Hundreds of mountaineers from around the world travel to Asia in April and May, headed for base camps in Nepal and Tibet.

But jagged peaks won’t be the only thing they see. Especially on Everest’s more heavily traversed Nepal side, they’ll find fields of garbage – including cans, bottles, plastic and human and animal excrement.

Each year, more than 60,000 trekkers and climbers visit the Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone , a high-altitude swath of the Khumbu region in northeast Nepal that includes Everest and seven other peaks. Some 400 to 500 climbers attempt to summit Everest every year.

The trash problem first became evident in the 1980s and 1990s, when climbing on the mountain and trekking in Khumbu began to increase. Climber and trekker numbers have further skyrocketed in the past 20 years .

Most coverage of this issue focuses on negative and sensational aspects, such as the frozen bodies of climbers who remain where they died on the mountain because removal operations are risky and expensive.

We are scholars who study geoscience and mountain geography , and one of us (Alton Byers) has lived in Nepal and worked with communities around Everest. We are encouraged to see increased efforts to address Everest’s massive trash problem. In our view, modern technology and international cooperation are key to ending the pileup of waste in this iconic setting.

Pollution from waste

For most visitors to this area of the Himalayas, Everest base camp on the upper reaches of the rapidly receding Khumbu Glacier is the ultimate destination, at an altitude of 17,589 feet (5,364 meters). Formerly a two- to three-week trek from Kathmandu, today the journey is most likely to begin at the Lukla Airport , which sits about 35 miles (60 kilometers) from base camp.

Climbers who aim to summit Everest typically spend up to two months on the mountain , including weeks making short, incremental ascents above base camp and back down again. This enables them to acclimate to the altitude before climbing to higher camps and then to the summit.

Much of the food and equipment headed to Everest also begins its journey at Lukla. Some is shipped to base camp by helicopter, but much of the gear is carried there by yaks, yak/cattle crossbreeds called dzopkio, mules and horses .

Lots of equipment, food and packaging, plus animals and porters, means a lot of garbage. A 2010 study estimated that park tourism generated 4.6 tons of solid waste per day during peak tourist periods in April-May and October-November.

Eventually most of this refuse is dumped into unsightly landfills a short distance from local villages. There it is burned, adding particulates and toxic chemicals to the air. The remaining ash is buried, where it can contaminate groundwater.

At the base camp, microplastics – likely from discarded mountaineering clothing, tents, ropes and boots – have been found in water and snow samples . High levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS , widely known as “forever chemicals,” have been found on the Khumbu glacier , probably from materials used to waterproof climbing boots, tents and clothing.

These substances could pose health risks for transient climbers, but are a more serious threat for people who live in the nearby settlements of Gorak Shep, Lobuche, Dugla and Pheriche for most of the year. Some of these villagers work at Everest base camp and are exposed there too.

And then there’s sewage. Most septic tanks at the hundreds of lodges located throughout the national park and buffer zone leak, further polluting groundwater . Camp Four, the last site that climbers occupy before they attempt to summit Everest, is covered with garbage and frozen, wind-swept feces.

National parks in developed countries have infrastructure to handle waste management, trash pickup, recycling and wastewater treatment. At Everest base camp, there are just collection barrels under toilets. Each year, some 50,000 pounds (22,000 kilograms) of human waste are brought to landfills several kilometers away .

Solutions for sustainable tourism

Recognizing the scale of this problem, initiatives are in progress to develop solutions.

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee , created by local Sherpa people in 1991, is an Indigenous nonprofit organization that is responsible for monitoring garbage in the permit-required mountains and peaks. The group focuses on litter control and periodic base camp cleanups.

In 2014, the government of Nepal began requiring every mountaineer who climbs above the Everest base camp to bring back 18 pounds (8 kilograms) of solid waste from the mountain or forfeit a US$4,000 deposit. Of course, if you’ve paid $75,000 or more for the trip, losing the deposit may not be much of an incentive. Many people elect to forfeit it.

A nonprofit called Sagarmatha Next , established in 2019, is working to promote sustainable tourism in the Khumbu region, partnering with companies and organizations from around the world. The group has raised awareness by producing art works and souvenirs from trash. It also launched a “Carry Me Back” program that encourages tourists to take two-pound (one-kilogram) bags of solid waste, such as shredded plastic bottles, to the airstrip at Lukla for processing and disposal in Kathmandu.

At the local government’s request, the University of Colorado Boulder developed a sustainable solid waste management plan in 2019 for the national park and buffer zone. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed implementation of the plan, which proposes creating a five-step process: waste segregation, collection, sorting and shredding, transfer to shipment stations and transportation to recycling facilities in Kathmandu.

Another nonprofit initiative, the NeverRest Project , was created during the pandemic to provide environmental solutions for Mount Everest and other fragile ecosystems around the world. NeverRest is working with the Nepal Tourism Board to revolutionize high-altitude waste management using modern technology.

In 2023, the organization presented a concept plan for a sustainable Everest base camp that would install technologies such as portable solar tents to reduce use of fossil fuel; unisex portable urinals with multi-use filters that convert urine into water; incinerator toilets that transform human waste into ash; and modular geodesic dome tents designed for effective heat retention to reduce energy use.

In the 71 years since Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made the first known successful ascent of Mount Everest , this peak has been a setting for daring expeditions, triumphs and tragedies. We hope that the region’s garbage problem soon will fade into history as new approaches and technologies provide solutions for Everest and other remote high-mountain locations around the world.

• Is it time to stop climbing mountains? Obsession with reaching summits is a modern invention
• Seabirds that swallow ocean plastic waste have scarring in their stomachs – scientists have named this disease ‘plasticosis’

Alton Byers has lived and worked in Nepal, and has collaborated with communities around Everest to protect and restore ecosystems that have been damaged by trekkers, climbers and the tourism industry. He was lead author of a sustainable solid waste management plan for Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone produced in 2020 by University of Colorado Boulder researchers with support from the National Geographic Society.

Suzanne OConnell does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Climbers have turned Mount Everest into a high-altitude garbage dump, but sustainable solutions are within reach

Modern technology and international cooperation are key to ending the pileup of waste in this iconic setting

By Suzanne OConnell, Alton C Byers

Published: thursday 02 may 2024.

Spring is go time for climbers who hope to summit Mount Everest, Earth’s highest peak above sea level. Hundreds of mountaineers from around the world travel to Asia in April and May, headed for base camps in Nepal and Tibet.

But jagged peaks won’t be the only thing they see. Especially on Everest’s more heavily traversed Nepal side, they’ll find fields of garbage — including cans, bottles, plastic and human and animal excrement.

Each year, more than 60,000 trekkers and climbers visit the Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone , a high-altitude swath of the Khumbu region in northeast Nepal that includes Everest and seven other peaks. Some 400 to 500 climbers attempt to summit Everest every year.

The trash problem first became evident in the 1980s and 1990s, when climbing on the mountain and trekking in Khumbu began to increase. Climber and trekker numbers have further skyrocketed in the past 20 years .

Most coverage of this issue focuses on negative and sensational aspects, such as the frozen bodies of climbers who remain where they died on the mountain because removal operations are risky and expensive.

We are scholars who study geoscience and mountain geography , and one of us (Alton Byers) has lived in Nepal and worked with communities around Everest. We are encouraged to see increased efforts to address Everest’s massive trash problem. In our view, modern technology and international cooperation are key to ending the pileup of waste in this iconic setting.

Pollution from waste

For most visitors to this area of the Himalayas, Everest base camp on the upper reaches of the rapidly receding Khumbu Glacier is the ultimate destination, at an altitude of 17,589 feet (5,364 meters). Formerly a two- to three-week trek from Kathmandu, today the journey is most likely to begin at the Lukla Airport , which sits about 35 miles (60 kilometers) from base camp.

Climbers who aim to summit Everest typically spend up to two months on the mountain , including weeks making short, incremental ascents above base camp and back down again. This enables them to acclimate to the altitude before climbing to higher camps and then to the summit.

Much of the food and equipment headed to Everest also begins its journey at Lukla. Some is shipped to base camp by helicopter, but much of the gear is carried there by yaks, yak/cattle crossbreeds called dzopkio, mules and horses .

Lots of equipment, food and packaging, plus animals and porters, means a lot of garbage. A 2010 study estimated that park tourism generated 4.6 tons of solid waste per day during peak tourist periods in April-May and October-November.

Eventually most of this refuse is dumped into unsightly landfills a short distance from local villages. There it is burned, adding particulates and toxic chemicals to the air. The remaining ash is buried, where it can contaminate groundwater.

At the base camp, microplastics — likely from discarded mountaineering clothing, tents, ropes and boots — have been found in water and snow samples . High levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS , widely known as “forever chemicals,” have been found on the Khumbu glacier , probably from materials used to waterproof climbing boots, tents and clothing.

These substances could pose health risks for transient climbers, but are a more serious threat for people who live in the nearby settlements of Gorak Shep, Lobuche, Dugla and Pheriche for most of the year. Some of these villagers work at Everest base camp and are exposed there too.

And then there’s sewage. Most septic tanks at the hundreds of lodges located throughout the national park and buffer zone leak, further polluting groundwater . Camp Four, the last site that climbers occupy before they attempt to summit Everest, is covered with garbage and frozen, wind-swept feces.

National parks in developed countries have infrastructure to handle waste management, trash pickup, recycling and wastewater treatment. At Everest base camp, there are just collection barrels under toilets. Each year, some 50,000 pounds (22,000 kilograms) of human waste are brought to landfills several kilometers away .

Solutions for sustainable tourism

Recognizing the scale of this problem, initiatives are in progress to develop solutions.

The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee , created by local Sherpa people in 1991, is an Indigenous nonprofit organisation that is responsible for monitoring garbage in the permit-required mountains and peaks. The group focuses on litter control and periodic base camp cleanups.

In 2014, the government of Nepal began requiring every mountaineer who climbs above the Everest base camp to bring back 18 pounds (8 kilograms) of solid waste from the mountain or forfeit a US$4,000 deposit. Of course, if you’ve paid $75,000 or more for the trip, losing the deposit may not be much of an incentive. Many people elect to forfeit it.

A nonprofit called Sagarmatha Next , established in 2019, is working to promote sustainable tourism in the Khumbu region, partnering with companies and organizations from around the world. The group has raised awareness by producing art works and souvenirs from trash. It also launched a “Carry Me Back” program that encourages tourists to take two-pound (one-kilogram) bags of solid waste, such as shredded plastic bottles, to the airstrip at Lukla for processing and disposal in Kathmandu.

At the local government’s request, the University of Colorado Boulder developed a sustainable solid waste management plan in 2019 for the national park and buffer zone. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed implementation of the plan, which proposes creating a five-step process: waste segregation, collection, sorting and shredding, transfer to shipment stations and transportation to recycling facilities in Kathmandu.

Another nonprofit initiative, the NeverRest Project , was created during the pandemic to provide environmental solutions for Mount Everest and other fragile ecosystems around the world. NeverRest is working with the Nepal Tourism Board to revolutionize high-altitude waste management using modern technology.

In 2023, the organization presented a concept plan for a sustainable Everest base camp that would install technologies such as portable solar tents to reduce use of fossil fuel; unisex portable urinals with multi-use filters that convert urine into water; incinerator toilets that transform human waste into ash; and modular geodesic dome tents designed for effective heat retention to reduce energy use.

Suzanne OConnell , Harold T. Stearns Professor of Earth Science, Wesleyan University and Alton C. Byers , Senior Research Associate, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado Boulder

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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