Wondering how long is the Everest Base Camp Trek? The Everest Base Camp trek typically takes around 12 to 14 days to complete, depending on your pace and chosen itinerary. The total distance covered is approximately 130 to 140 kilometers (80-87 miles), starting from Lukla and returning there. You will trek through beautiful villages, forests, and high-altitude landscapes, with the ultimate goal of reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters or 17,598 feet) for breathtaking views of Mount Everest.
In the Everest Region, the duration and distance of the trek can vary depending on how many acclimatization days you take, as adjusting to the altitude is important. Most trekkers complete the trek in about 12 days, with rest days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to help with acclimatization. Make sure to plan your trek with sufficient rest time to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and Duration
The Everest Base Camp Trek covers a total distance of 130 to 140 kilometers (80-87 miles) round trip. The trek is divided daily, with trekkers typically covering 5 to 10 kilometers daily. The route passes through beautiful villages, forests, and steep ascents, leading to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). The total trek distance can vary depending on the number of acclimatization days and the specific route taken.
If you’re flying into Lukla from Kathmandu, the flight distance is approximately 35-40 minutes and covers a distance of around 60 kilometers (37 miles). The flight offers scenic views of the Himalayan range, adding to the excitement of the trek. The drive distance from Kathmandu to Lukla is about 6-8 hours, covering a 280-kilometer (174-mile) stretch, but due to the mountainous terrain, most trekkers prefer the flight to save time and energy.
Everest Base Camp Trek
12 Days
Adventure Treks
USD1,199 per person
Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes Trek
15 Days
Adventure Treks
USD1,249 per person
Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour
1 Days
USD1,300 per person
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and Duration in Table
Day | Trek Destination | Distance | Duration |
1 | Lukla to Phakding | 8 kilometers | 4 Hrs. |
2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 11 kilometers | 5-6 Hrs. |
3 | Namche Bazaar Day Hike | 7 kilometers | 3-4 Hrs. |
4 | Namche Bazaar to Tengboche | 9 kilometers | 5-6 Hrs. |
5 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 10 kilometers | 6 Hrs. |
6 | Dingboche Acclimatization (Day Hike) | 6 kilometers | 3-4 Hrs. |
7 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 8 kilometers | 5-6 Hrs. |
8 | Trek to Gorakshep, EBC Day Trip | 11 kilometers | 8-9 Hrs. |
9 | Hike to Kalapatthar, Trek to Pheriche | 16 kilometers | 7-8 Hrs. |
10 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 19 kilometers | 7-8 Hrs. |
11 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 19 kilometers | 7-8 Hrs. |
Everest Base Camp Trek Video
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance
Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding Distance
Day 01: Kathmandu – Lukla by fly, trekking to Phakding (2,860m) Trek distance: 8km Walking Hours: 3-4 hours Attractions: The Buddhist Mantra carved on stone, Mane walls, and monasteries in the vicinity Attractive Villages: Chheplung, Thado Koshi, Ghat, Phakding Enjoy an adventurous scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Then start the trek to Phakding passing through a beautiful forested trail. Traverse attractive villages such as Chheplung, Thado Koshi, and Ghat to reach Phakding. Witness the Buddhist mantras carved on stones, mane walls, colorful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and monasteries in the vicinity. |
Phakding – Namche Distance
Day 02: Phakding – Manjo – Jorsalle – Namche (3,440m) Trek distance: 11km Walking Hours: 5-6 hours Attractions: Many suspension bridges and the most popular Hillary suspension bridge Sagarmatha National Park First Mount Everest view on the way to Namche Pretty Villages: Tok Tok, Bangker, Manjo, Jorsalle, and Namche Trek on an ascending trail uphill towards Manjo. Trekkers cross through many suspension bridges, including the most popular Hillary Suspension Bridge. Reach at the entrance of the highest altitude situated Sagarmatha National Park walking through diverse flora. If lucky, encounter some wild animals. Complete all permit verification at Manjo and pass through Jorsalle to reach Namche, the Sherpa capital. From Namche, if the weather is clear, get your first Mt. Everest view. |
Namche – Everest View Hotel back Distance
Day 03: Acclimatization Day (Hike to Everest View Hotel, Visit Khumjung village) and back to Namche (3,440m) Trek distance: 6.6km Walking Hours: 4-5 hours Attractions: Hike to Syangboche Airport, Everest View Hotel, Khumjung village Opportunity to see Yeti Scalp at Khumjung monastery Sir Edmund Hillary School in Khumjung Best View of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Konde, Thamserku, Kangtega and others. An acclimatization rest day at Namche begins with a hike to Syangboche Airport, situated at the highest altitude (3,780m). Next, hike to Everest View Hotel to get the best views of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Konde, Thamserku, Kangtega, and others. After witnessing stunning views, explore the lovely Khumjung village. Visit Khumjung monastery and get an opportunity to see the purported Yeti scalp. Also, visit the Sherpa Museum and Sir Edmund Hillary School. Rest of the time give yourself refreshment treats at Namche. Enjoy coffee, continental foods, and bakery goods. |
Namche – Tengboche Distance
Day 04: Namche – Kyangjuma – Phunki Tanga – Tengboche (3,860m) Trek distance: 9km Walking Hours: 5-6 hours Attractions: Beautiful Mount Everest and other Himalaya views Beautiful Settlements: Kyangjuma, Phunki Tanga, and Tengboche Largest Tengboche Monastery Sunset view over the Himalayas If you are lucky, you may see Musk deer Ascend gradually and pass through the beautiful settlements of Kyangjuma, Phunki Tanga, to reach Tengboche. Witness spectacular views of Thamserku and Ama Dablam. At Tengboche, visit the largest Tengboche Monastery in the region. The prayer time is at 3 pm every day. If you are lucky, you can witness Musk deer. In the evening, adore the mesmerizing sunset view over the Himalayas. |
Tengboche – Dingboche Distance
Day 05: Tengboche – Pangboche – Somare – Dingboche (4,410m) Trek distance: 10km Walking Hours: 5-6 hours Attractions: Beautiful Himalayas view during the trek (Ama Dablam, Lhotse, etc.) Oldest Pangboche Monastery Lovely Villages: Diboche, Pangboche, Somare, and Dingboche Trek through the forested conifer, willow, and rhododendron trail and navigate through the lovely villages of Diboche, Pangboche, and Somare. At Pangboche, visit the oldest Pangboche monastery. On the trek route, get glimpses of the spectacular Island Peak, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and surrounding peaks. Reach Dingboche and see terraced fields of buckwheat and diverse crops. |
Dingboche – Nangkar Tshang Peak Distance
Day 06: Acclimatization Day (Hike to Nangkar Tshang Peak), and back to Dingboche. Trek distance: 6km Walking Hours: 3-4 hours Attractions: Hike to Nangkar Tshang Peak, which has breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lhotse, Nuptse, and others. The second acclimatization day at Dingboche starts with a hike to Nangkar Tshang Peak, which lasts for 3-4 hours. Get a breathtaking view of Ama Dablam, Cholatse, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other surrounding peaks. Return to Dingboche and spend the rest of the time exploring the surroundings and interacting with the locals. |
Dingboche – Lobuche Distance
Day 07: Dingboche – Thukla – Lobuche (4,910m) Trek distance: 8km Walking Hours: 5-6 hours Attractions: Beautiful Himalayas view Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Khumbu Glacier, and Cho la Pass trail Beautiful landscapes, Snowy glaciers, and breathtaking sceneryMany memorial statues who died on the Everest expedition Pass through a narrow valley admiring the beautiful landscapes, and snowy glaciers, and reach Thukla. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Cholatse, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Khumbu Glacier, and Cho la Pass trail throughout the trek. Also, witness memorial statues of dead Everest expediting mountaineers. Reach Lobuche after ascending for an hour. |
Lobuche – Gorakh Shep – Everest Base Camp Distance
Day 08: Trekking to Gorakshep (5,140m), Hike to Everest Base camp (5,364m) Trek distance: 11km Walking Hours: 7-8 hours Attractions: The biggest achievement of this Trek was reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m) Nearest view of Khumbu glacier Astonishing Lhotse, Nuptse, and other Himalayas view Trek to the iconic Everest Base Camp begins from Lobuche. Trek on the trail with several ascend and descend to reach Gorakshep. Stop for lunch at Gorakshep. Hike for some hours and finally reach the Everest Base Camp. Trekkers’ biggest achievement is reaching an altitude of 5,364 m. The air is thin, and breathing may be difficult, but the surrounding views are exceptional. Relish the astonishing views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and surroundings. Explore the camp for some time and also witness the impressive Khumbu glacier and trek back to Gorakshep. |
Gorakh Shep – Kalapather – Dingboche Distance
Day 09: Climb to Kalapatthar (5,550m) and trek down to Dingboche (4,410m) Trek distance: 16km Walking Hours: 7-8 hours Attractions: Summit highest point Kalapatthar 5,550m, near the viewpoint of Mount Everest, Pumori, Nuptse, and other peaks. Close-up view of southern Mt. Everest This day, you will trek to the remarkable Kalapatthar viewpoint, which is at an elevation of 5,550 m, the maximum elevation gain of this trek. Start the day adoring the spectacular sunrise view over the Himalayan peaks. Have breakfast and trek forward to the vantage point Kalapatthar. From here, get a close-up southern view of the world’s highest Mt. Everest, and other surrounding peaks. Take some snaps, create some beautiful memories, and trek back to Dingboche. |
Dingboche – Namche Distance
Day 10: Dingboche – Pangboche – Tengboche – Namche (3,440m) Trek distance: 19km Walking Hours: 6-7 hours Attractions: Attractive villages: Somare, Pangboche, Tengboche, and Namche Beautiful scenery and stunning surrounding mountain vistas Pass through the attractive villages of Somare, Pangboche, and Tengboche, walking on ascending and descending trails. Get rewarded with beautiful scenery and stunning views of surrounding mountain vistas. Traverse back through the forested trail to reach Namche. Rest, relax, and enjoy at Irish Pubs or bakery shops or stroll around the Namche market. |
Namche – Phakding Distance
Day 11: Namche – Manjo – Phakding – Lukla (2,860m) Trek distance: 19km Walking Hours: 6-7 hours Attractions: Beautiful scenery and towering snow-capped peaks Descending through Namche HillThe trek begins on a descending trail through Namche Hill which is fascinating. Trek pass beautiful settlements and cross the Sagarmatha National Park to reach Phakding. The beautiful surroundings and towering snow-capped peaks throughout the trek teases trekkers for the last time in this Everest region. Pass through Ghat and trek a little further to reach Lukla. |
Lukla – Kathmandu Distance
Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and drive back to the Hotel. Flight distance: 135km Flight Hours: 30 minutes Attractions: Scenic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu The Everest Base Camp trek finally comes to an end. It’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful Everest region. With tons of sweet and unforgettable memories, board the Lukla flight. Adore the beautiful scenery and snow-capped peaks from the flight. It takes 30 minutes to reach Kathmandu. Upon arriving at the airport, drive back to the hotel for rest. Note: If you do this trek in the months of April and the first half of May, take a 4-hour drive from Kathmandu to Ramechhap and fly to Lukla. Besides April and the first half of May month, there is a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. |
Everest Base Camp Trek Map
Teahouses at Everest Base Camp Trek
Teahouses along the Everest Base Camp Trek provide basic accommodation and a place to rest. These teahouses offer simple rooms with a bed and blankets and often have a common area for dining. While facilities vary depending on the altitude and location, most teahouses offer a warm, comfortable space to relax after a long day of trekking.
In addition to providing accommodation, teahouses also serve as dining spots where trekkers can enjoy local meals. The food is generally simple, consisting of Nepalese dishes like dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and other basic vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. As you ascend, the menu may become limited, but these teahouses remain a crucial part of your trekking experience.
Food in Everest Base Camp Trek
The food along the Everest Base Camp Trek is primarily local Nepali cuisine, with rice, lentils, and vegetables forming the base of most meals. Popular dishes include dal bhat, momos, noodles, and fried rice, providing energy for the long trekking days. Although meat options like chicken and yak are available at lower altitudes, the availability of fresh ingredients becomes limited as you ascend.
As the trek moves to higher altitudes, the menu shrinks, but you will still find basic meals that are easy to prepare, like porridge, soup, and pasta. Eating high-calorie meals is important to fuel your body for the trek. Carrying snacks like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits is also helpful, especially on days when food options are scarce or limited.
Water in Everest Base Camp Trek
Staying hydrated during the Everest Base Camp Trek is important, especially due to the high-altitude environment. Teahouses along the route usually provide boiled water for trekkers, though you may need to purchase it. You can also carry a water purifier or purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water along the trek.
As you ascend, fresh water sources become more limited, and buying bottled water can become more expensive. To reduce waste and ensure a steady supply of water, many trekkers use reusable water bottles with purification filters. It is essential to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and altitude sickness during your trek.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp Trek typically takes around 12 to 14 days to complete, with trekkers following a scenic and challenging route. The trek involves a steady ascent to higher altitudes, where acclimatization days are important to avoid altitude sickness. The journey offers incredible views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, and takes you through Sherpa villages, dense forests, and open landscapes.
With careful planning, enough rest days, and a reasonable pace, the trek can be an achievable and rewarding experience. Whether you are trekking for the first time or are an experienced adventurer, the Everest Base Camp Trek provides stunning views and a strong sense of accomplishment. You will gain an unforgettable connection with the natural beauty of Nepal’s highest mountain range.