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Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

21 August 2024

Planning a Trip to Nepal?

everest base camp trek distance

Everest Base Camp Trek or EBC is one of the world famous enthralling iconic treks. In fact, Everest Base Camp Trek is the trekking trip to the base of the world’s highest mountain ‘Mount Everest’. The EBC Trek distance can vary depending on the route and starting point, but the most common length for this trek or hike is around 130 kilometers (80 miles) round-trip. The trek usually takes about 12-14 days to complete, with daily distances ranging from 8 to 16 kilometers (5 to 10 miles), depending on the terrain and altitude gain.

The Everest Base Camp Trek starts with a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu or Ramechhap. 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 imagined. 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 or Ramechhap.

Let’s discuss in details the various aspects related to the DISTANCE covered by Everest Base Camp Trek into Everest Region of Nepal.

How long is the trek to Everest Base Camp?

The classic Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back is 130km long – 65km each way. The typical length, in terms of time, of the Everest Base Camp Trek is around 12 days. The distance of 130 km is based on the standard itinerary via Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Everest Base Camp. There are variations of standard route, like Jiri Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek and Everest Base Camp Via Gokyo Lakes and Chola Pass Trek, which takes longer.

ebc trek distance

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Details with Altitude Information

Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla (Flight) to Phakding

Flight Distance:

135 km/ 84 miles

Flight Duration: 

30 minutes

Walking Distance:

9 kms/ 5.6 miles

Walking Duration: 

4.5 hrs

Difficulty: 

Easy

Elevation

Kathmandu (1,400 m /4,593 ft): Lukla (2,845 m /9,334 ft): Phakding (2,651 m/ 8,698 ft)

Elevation change: 

1,445 m / 4,740 ft ascend, then 196 m/ 643 ft descend 

The distance from the starting point of Kathmandu to Lukla is 130 km. You will cover this distance in a flight of around 45 minutes. After reaching the airport at Lukla, on a thrilling adventure, you will start trekking through the Everest region trails.

You will trek around 10 km from Lukla on this journey to reach Phakding village settlement. This section’s trekking duration will take 3-4 hours. During the course of this trek, you will find beautiful trails with many incredible landmarks.

Day 02: Phakding to Namche Bazaar 

Walking Distance:

9 km/ 5.6 miles 

Walking Duration: 

5-6 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Moderate 

Elevation

Phakding (2,651m/8,698 ft ) to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286 ft) 

Elevation change: 

789 m/ 2,589 ft ascend 

From Phakding, you will trek around 14 km on this journey to Namche. You will trek through the beautiful terrain in this section to Namche Bazaar, a beautiful village. On the journey, you will pass through outstanding landmarks on the lap of nature. You will get to pass through the forest areas covered in numerous other landmarks like rivers and waterfalls.

In the beautiful village of Namche, you will find many hotels, cafes, lodges, etc. You will also get to go on hiking around the hills around Namche as a part of the acclimatization journey. You will get sweeping views of the region during the process of acclimatization.

There is the famous Syangboche viewpoint, known for its awe-inspiring panoramic views of the mountains. Besides, there are cultural points that you can explore in Namche as well, including the Sherpa museum. You can stay there in Namche’s beautiful village settlement after finding a teahouse.

Day 03: Acclimatization day (Day trip to Khumjung)

Walking Distance:

16 km/ 10 miles 

Walking Duration: 

5 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Moderate 

Elevation

Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286 ft) to Khumjung (3,790m/ 12,434 ft ) 

Elevation change: 

350m/ 1,148 ft ascend 

All trekkers and mountaineers on Everest Trek spend an extra day in Namche Bazaar, as it is the perfect place to acclimatize to the altitude.  You will hike up past the monastery on the western side of Namche Bazaar. This gives great views of Thamsurku, Kongde Ri and Kusum Kangguru. As you trek up behind Namche Bazaar, the trail is quite steep and you will be walking on a steep stair case.  You feel the lack of oxygen while you ascend 460m/ 1,509 feet to Shangbouche Airport. Then, you will cross the runway and head another 100m/ 328 feet up to Shangbouche Hill at 3,900m/ 12,795 feet. You will enjoy the stunning views and relax for 45 minutes before returning back to Namche. There is an option to head into Khumjung to visit the local monastery.  This trek is an essential part of the acclimatization process and usually takes approximately 4 or 5 hours. 

Day 04: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

Walking Distance:

12 km/ 7.5 miles 

Walking Duration: 

5-6 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Moderate 

Elevation

Namche Bazaar (3,440m/ 11,286 ft) to Tengboche (3,870m/ 12,697 ft ) 

Elevation change: 

430m/ 1,410 ft ascend 

The Namche to Tengboche is a real test of your strength as you will trek for around 12 kms. You will continue this section after a day at Namche which will allow you to re-energize your spirits. The section of the trek will first take you alongside the northern trails then climb up the stony trails. You will enter a forest path before leading to the monastery area. After 5 hours of rigorous trekking, you will reach Tengboche where you will rest at a local teahouse after some exploration around the area.

Day 05: Tengboche to Dingboche

Walking Distance:

12 km/ 7.5 miles

Walking Duration: 

5 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Moderate 

Elevation

Tengboche (3,870m/ 12,697 ft ) to Dingboche (4,360m/ 14,304 ft.) 

Elevation change: 

490 m/ 1,608 ft ascend 

Early in the morning, you will climb the Tengboche monastery, where you will glimpse majestic mountain views like Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, etc. You will descend on your trek until you reach Imja Khola and Pangboche. From Pangboche, you will start climbing a steep climb again till you reach Dingboche. The distance from Tengboche to Dingboche is around 9 kilometers. Dinggoche is also another place to acclimatize if your itinerary has acclimatization days.

Day 06: Acclimatization day (Day trip to Nagarjun Hill)

Walking Distance:

5 km/ 0.62 miles 

Walking Duration: 

4 to 5 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Moderate 

Elevation

Dingboche (4,360m/ 14304 ft.) to Nagarjun Hill (m/ ft ) 

Elevation change: 

0 m/ 0 ft ascend and descend 

Wake up this morning in the beautiful surroundings, and in the knowledge, today’s hike may be difficult, but the rewards are great. Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Lhotse are just some rewards.  Another might be that the afternoon is free for you to relax and catch up with journaling, chatting, or simply being.

Day 07: Dingboche to Lobuche

Walking Distance:

12 km/ 7.5 miles 

Walking Duration: 

5-6 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Hard

Elevation

Dingboche (4,360m/ 14,304 ft.) to Lobuche (4,940m/ 16,207 ft) 

Elevation change: 

580m/ 1,903 ft ascend 

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.

Day 08: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (Day trip to Everest Base Camp)

Walking Distance:

10 km/ 6.6miles 

Walking Duration: 

7-8 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Hard

Elevation

Lobuche (4,940m/ 16,207 ft) to Gorak Shep (5,170m/ 16,962 ft ) to EBC (5,368m/ 17,612 ft) 

Elevation change: 

230m/ 755 ft ascend and 198m/ 650 ft ascend 

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 average. 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.

Day 09: Gorak Shep to Pheriche (Morning trip to Kala Patthar)

Walking Distance:

10 km/ 6.6miles 

Walking Duration: 

7-8 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Hard and then Moderate 

Elevation

Gorak Shep (5,170m/ 16,962 ft ) to Kala Patthar (5,545m/ 18,192 ft) to Periche (4280m/ 14042 ft) 

Elevation change: 

375m/ 1,230 ft ascend, and 1265m/ 4150 ft descend 

Today we either head to Everest Base Camp or Kalapattar, depending on the weather of yesterday.  At base camp, we are up close to Everest, so the views here of this majestic mountain are not as stunning as those from Kalapattar.  

It takes around 3 to 4 hours to trek from Gorakshep to Base Camp (and the same amount of time to travel from Gorakshep to Kalapattar).  On return to Gorakshep, we take breakfast and collect our belongings before heading for our next overnight stop at Pheriche.  Again, this is around a 4-hour hike.  

Day 10: Pheriche to Namche

Walking Distance:

16 km/9.9 miles 

Walking Duration: 

6-7 hrs 

Difficulty: 

Strenuous 

Elevation

Pheriche (4,371m / 14,340 ft) to Namche (3,440m / 11,286 ft) 

Elevation change: 

931m / 3,054 ft descent 

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 11: Namche to Lukla 

Walking Distance:

16 km/9.9 miles 

Walking Duration: 

5-6  hrs 

Difficulty: 

Moderate 

Elevation

Namche (3,440m / 11,286 ft) Lukla (2,845 m /9,334 ft)

Elevation change: 

595m / 1,952 ft descend 

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.

ebc distance with altitude

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. Trekking in Nepal requires trekkers to 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.

Physical Fitness

Your overall fitness level will significantly impact the duration of the trek. Those who are physically fit will have an easier time adjusting to the strenuous nature of the trek, thus completing it in the scheduled timeframe. However, even if you're in great shape, it's important not to rush and give your body time to adjust to the altitude. Read our blog on How to Train for Everest Base Camp Trek

Weather and Season

Weather can be unpredictable in the Everest region, and adverse weather conditions can sometimes lead to delays. For instance, flights to and from Lukla can be delayed or canceled due to poor visibility. The trekking season you choose also impacts the duration. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are considered the best seasons for the trek and might present fewer weather-related challenges.

Unforeseen Circumstances

Unforeseen circumstances like personal health problems, injuries, or other emergencies can increase the duration of the trek. It's a good idea to factor in a few extra days in your schedule to accommodate any unexpected events.

yak in everest trek region

Information About 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.

flight in ebc region

FAQs

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. Or Annapurna Trek, Langtang Trek, Manaslu Trek and so on. 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 for Everest Base Camp Trek, 2 days are for acclimatization purposes. One day in Namche Bazaar and the next acclimatization day in Dingboche.

How altitude variation does takes place in Everest Base Camp Trek?

Everest Base Camp 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 Everest Base Camp 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.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Everest Base Camp Trek is suitable for beginners without prior high-altitude trekking experience. Unlike the Mera Peak Climbing or Island Peak Climbing, there is no need for climbing or technical skills to trek to Everest Base Camp. However, beginners must be physically fit and healthy to hike steep uphill and downhill trails on varied terrains.

Can I shorten the trek duration of Everest Base Camp?

Yes, some trekkers opt for a helicopter ride back from Base Camp to Lukla, which can reduce the return journey. However, this option is subject to weather conditions and availability.

What is the distance of Everest Base Camp by helicopter?

The distance from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp by helicopter is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles). However, the helicopter will not land directly at the base camp, as there is no suitable landing spot. Instead, it will land at a nearby helipad, at Gorak Shep, which is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the base camp.

From there, you can trek the remaining distance to reach the base camp. Recently, helicopter tours to Everest Base Camp are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a quicker and more comfortable way to experience the stunning scenery of the Khumbu region. However, they are also more expensive than trekking, and some people prefer the physical and mental challenges of the traditional trekking route. Please check our Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return

What factors could extend the trek duration?

Unpredictable weather, physical fitness, and the route chosen are some factors that could extend your trek duration. It's advisable to plan for some flexibility in your schedule.

Can I complete the trek faster if I am in excellent shape?

While good physical condition can help you maintain a steady pace, rushing the trek is not recommended due to the risk of altitude sickness. Acclimatization days are essential for a safe trek.

What if I cannot complete the trek within the planned duration?

Trekking is unpredictable, and sometimes trekkers may need more rest days for acclimatization or recovery from fatigue. It's always a good idea to plan a few extra buffer days in your travel itinerary.

In conclusion, Everest Base Camp Trek is a harmonious blend of physical endurance, mental resilience, and the opportunity to experience natural beauty at its best. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer, an adventure lover, a climber, a mountain enthusiast, or a first-time trekker, this magnificent adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime. CONTACT US for more details.