How to Choose the Right Everest Base Camp Trek Route

9 Jan 2025 Himalaya Trip

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa first ascended the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, in 1953. Since then, some dared to climb Everest itself, and others dreamed of reaching the foot of the mountain to witness its formidable nature. Hence, Everest Base Camp Trek became one of the most popular treks in the world. Slowly, trekkers explored other areas and routes in the Everest Region, resulting in multiple ways to reach the base camp. So, choosing the right one became more and more arduous and confusing. In this article, we have provided the list of trails and also discussed how to select the right Everest Base Camp Trek Route. 

The several route variations to trek to Everest Base Camp come with distinct features and difficulty levels. While some routes require you to take a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu, some demand that you walk to the gateway of the Khumbu region. On almost every route, you must first reach the Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar, where there are divergences along the route to Everest Base Camp. Choosing the correct route depends upon your itinerary and preferences. Now, let us look into each route in detail.

Understanding the Everest Base Camp Trek Routes

Selecting the correct route needs thoughtful consideration. You need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of every option in hand. Each route has something which others won’t be able to provide. So, understanding their key differences is essential in your decision-making process. Let us look into each route in detail; 

Classic Everest Base Camp Route via Lukla

Classic Everest Base Camp route via Lukla, or the standard route to EBC, is one of the most popular trekking routes to the base camp. It starts after your flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Manthali. The path follows a well-defined route with established teahouses. This route is the shortest way to EBC.

Route to Follow via Lukla

You will use the following route to climb the base camp in classic Everest Base camp via Lukla; 

Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Tengboche – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC – Kala Patthar

After reaching Kala Patthar, you will descend to Lukla using the same route you ascended. 

Why to Choose Classic EBC Route

• This route is ideal for beginners and those with limited time, as it is the direct path to EBC. 
• The journey offers a rich cultural experience combined with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
• Since it is the most popular route, the teahouses along it are of higher quality, with comfortable bedding and amenities. 

Why not to Choose Classic EBC Route

• The route is crowded in the peak seasons, so if you prefer a more solitary trek, this route might not be for you. 
• If you want more off-the-beaten-path experience, this may not provide that thrill, especially to proficient trekkers. 
• Taking this path, you will go from Lukla to EBC and back through the same route, which means you won’t be able to explore the Everest region more. 

Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Route

This route diverges from the standard route from Namche Bazaar. It passes through the Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass, allowing you to explore Everest and the surrounding mountains. The path also provides an opportunity to climb the Gokyo Ri.

Route to Follow via Gokyo

You will take the following route to EBC from Lukla via Gokyo. 

Kathmandu – Lukla – Namche – Dhole – Machhermo – Gokyo – Drangnag – Cho La Pass – Dzonglha – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC – Kalapatthar

After reaching base camp, you can either follow the same route back to Lukla or take a classic EBC route to descend via Pheriche and Dingboche. You can also reach the base camp via the classic route and return via the Cho La Pass route. It is yours to choose. 

Why to Choose Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Route

• Trekking in this offers an opportunity to explore a different side of the Everest region, from one of the passes to the azure Gokyo Lakes. 
• This route is less crowded than the classic route, allowing you to enjoy nature and the Himalayas in solitude. 
• Everest Base Camp via Gokyo route allows you to not only visit the foot of Mt Everest but also climb the Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) 

Why not Choose Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass Route

• This route might be more physically demanding, as it involves climbing Gokyo Ri and traversing more rugged trails. Hence, it might not be suitable for novice trekkers. 
• EBC through the Gokyo trek takes about 15 days to complete, which might not be suitable for trekkers with time constraints. 
• The risk of altitude sickness is high since it involves reaching 5,000 m multiple times. 

Three Passes Trek Route to EBC

Three Passes Trek route to the base of the world’s tallest mountain is also a circuit that allows you to explore the standard EBC route, Gokyo lakes, and the three high passes. It is for those who want to explore the maximum of Everest region.

Route to Follow via Kongma La Pass

In the three passes trek routes to reach the base camp, you will use the following route; 

Kathmandu – Lukla – Phakding – Namche – Tengboche – Dingboche – Chhukung – Kongma La Pass – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC – Kala patthar

As you can see, you will reach EBC through Kongma La Pass, which is one of three passes. From EBC to Lukla, you will traverse the other two (Cho La and Renjo Lag). To return to Lukla, you will take the following route. 

Kalapatthar – Gorak Shep – Dzonghlha – Cho La – Gragnag – Gokyo – Renjo La – Lungdhen – Thame – Namche – Lukla

Why to Choose Three Passes Route 

• The Three Passes Trek covers EBC, the famous passes, and the Gokyo Lakes. So, this route will allow you to discover the most of the Everest region. 
• This route is less crowded in some sections, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves and explore the majestic Himalayas without any external noises. 
• This route is perfect for those seeking a more challenging and adventurous trek. 

Why not Choose Three Passes Route

• This route involves crossing all the passes along with EBC, which makes it highly demanding. It requires a high level of fitness and trekking experience. 
• This trek is not for those with time limitations, as it takes 17 to 21 days to complete. 
• Altitude sickness, injuries, and stress risk are high in this trek. 

Jiri to Everest Base Camp Route

The Jiri to Everest Base Camp route is a “pioneer route” or “old route.” Before Tenzing Hillary Airport was built in Lukla in 1964, trekkers and climbers used the Jiri to Lukla to Everest Base Camp route for trekking or climbing. Sir Edmund Hillary and the team used the same route to reach EBC and finally conquer Everest.

The route involves a long ride to Jiri from Kathmandu, followed by a multi-day trek to the base camp. Since it starts from a lower elevation than Lukla, it passes through subtropical forests to the alpine meadows in the higher Himalayas of Nepal. 

Route to Follow via Jiri

You will use the following routes to reach the Everest Base Camp through the JIri route. 

Kathmandu – Jiri – Bhandar – Sete – Junbesi – Nunthala – Bupsa – Surke – Chheplung – Namche Bazzar – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC – Kala Patthar

You can enter Lukla from Bupsa instead of Chheplung on this route, diverging from Sukre. But, considering you will return to Lukla after completing the trek, you might want to go directly to Namche. After reaching Namche, you can either follow the standard route or take a path towards Gokyo to reach EBC. 

Why to Choose Jiri to EBC Route

• Taking this trek, you can follow the footsteps of the pioneer climbers, providing a historical perspective to your trek. 
• Starting from a lower elevation than Lukla will give you plenty of time for acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
•  You will explore more than just the alpine meadows and sherpa culture on this route. You will experience the lush forests of lower elevations and the settlements of other communities like Junbesi, Bhandar, Sete, and more. 
• After reaching Namche, you can choose whichever route you want to take. 

Why not Choose Jiri for the EBC Route

• The trek will add extra days as you will start miles away from Lukla, the gateway to Khumbu. 
• Since you ascend from a lower elevation, you will have to go through numerous uphill climbs, which can be physically demanding. 
• You might have to carry more luggage, as the route involves more extended travel. 

Arun Valley Route

Arun Valley is one of the deepest valleys in the world. This trek will take you to the highest foot of Everest, reaching the highest base camp in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 meters, starting from Tumlingtar at 401 meters. You will gradually explore diverse forests, settlements, and wildlife along the way.

Route to Follow via Arun Valley

After reaching the Tumlingtar from Kathmandu, you will follow the route to EBC. 

Tumlingtar – Chewabesi- Gothe Bazaar – Salpa Phedi – Sanam – Bung – Gaikharkha – Puiyan – Phakding – Namche Bazaar – Dingboche – Lobuche – Gorak Shep – EBC – Kala Patthar

Like the Jiri route, this route allows you to choose a different path to reach EBC from Namche Bazaar. 

Why to Choose Arun Valley Route

• Arun Valley trek offers a more secluded and remote trekking experience. After reaching Namche, you are free to choose the trails. 
• Along with Sagarmatha National Park, you will traverse the Makalu Barun National Park on this trek, allowing you to explore more flora, fauna, and cultures. 
• The trail to Lukla from Arun Valley is almost isolated, providing peace. 
• Since you will gradually ascend, you will have an opportunity to acclimate along the way, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. 

Why not Choose the Arun Valley Route

• Trekking in this region requires you to have multiple permits. And since it is a lengthy journey, the trek can be expensive. 
• Since the route is less crowded, the accommodations and facilities in the way are limited.

Tips for Choosing the Right EBC Trek Route

Choosing the correct route to Everest Base Camp determines your trekking experience. You can decide on the best route after considering what each one offers. Before, here are some tips that might be helpful for you to determine the correct path for you; 

Consider Your Time

Time is of the essence, especially when you are in a foreign land. So, before deciding on the route, you should consider the duration of your visa stay. We are sure you want to explore other places in Nepal on your vacation. So, make sure you don’t fall short in time. And if you have limited time, you can also choose the short Everest View Trek or go for an Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. 

Check your Fitness Level 

Be it the standard Everest Base Camp route or a three-pass route, each has its own set of difficulties. Assess the difficulty level of the EBC trek and evaluate your fitness level to determine if you can undertake it. You can take short treks or high-altitude hikes while carrying a backpack to assess. It will also work as a preparation for the Everest Base Camp trek. 

Research Different Routes

You must research different routes to understand the difficulty level and determine the cost. Some routes offer views of Everest from multiple angles, while others provide exploration of the glaciers. Researching the routes will help you decide what you want and which path to take. 

Consider Crowd Level

With more than 40,000 people trekking in the Sagarmatha National Park of the Everest region, the trek to EBC will be crowded, especially in peak season. If you prefer solitude, you might want to avoid the classic route. 

Consider your Budget

Reaching Everest Base Camp via the classic EBC trail takes around 12 days, while the three-pass trek to reach the base camp is not a 12 or 13-day trek; it will take longer. And, the longer you trek, the more expensive your trek will be. So, look into the costs of each route and consider your budget before selecting. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Selecting the correct route can be overwhelming due to the variety of options available, and oftentimes, many people make mistakes and regret taking that path. So, here are some of the errors that you have to avoid at any cost; 

• Not separating a day for acclimatization while preparing the itinerary.
• Skipping the fitness preparation. 
• Ignoring the seasonal challenges on the trails
• Neglecting the possible crowds on the trail. 
• Assuming every route costs the same
• Not considering the alternative routes
• Choosing based on popularity without proper research
• Not understanding one’s preferences

Conclusion

Even though the goal is to reach the Everest Base Camp, we can do so in multiple ways. Yes, most routes provide a unique experience with slight views and cultural understanding changes. While the standard route is short and beginner-friendly, the three-pass and Gokyo are adventurous routes, allowing trekkers to explore more. On the other hand, the Arun Valley and the Jiri routes offer gradual ascending and less risk of altitude sickness, with the liberty to choose the route after reaching Namche. But they are equally strenuous and lengthy. 

If you are planning your trek to EBC, explore different routes before deciding. If you need assistance choosing one, feel free to contact us.

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