Quick answer: the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek takes about 12 days from Lukla and back, covering roughly 130 km (80 miles) round trip. The route climbs from Lukla (2,860 m) through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche and Lobuche to Gorak Shep, with a side trip to Base Camp (about 5,364 m) and a sunrise climb of Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m). Two acclimatisation days, in Namche and Dingboche, are essential.
12-day Everest Base Camp itinerary
| Day | Route | Sleeping altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly Kathmandu → Lukla, trek to Phakding | 2,610 m | Short first day, mostly downhill |
| 2 | Phakding → Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | Suspension bridges; big climb at the end |
| 3 | Acclimatisation day in Namche | 3,440 m | Hike up to the Everest View Hotel area (~3,880 m) and back |
| 4 | Namche → Tengboche | 3,860 m | Famous monastery and first close views of Ama Dablam |
| 5 | Tengboche → Dingboche | 4,410 m | Trees disappear; landscape becomes high alpine |
| 6 | Acclimatisation day in Dingboche | 4,410 m | Climb Nangkartshang Peak (~5,080 m) or hike towards Chhukung |
| 7 | Dingboche → Lobuche | 4,940 m | Pass the climbers’ memorials at Thukla |
| 8 | Lobuche → Gorak Shep → Everest Base Camp → Gorak Shep | 5,164 m | The big day: Base Camp at about 5,364 m |
| 9 | Kala Patthar at sunrise, then descend to Pheriche | 4,371 m | Best views of Everest’s summit |
| 10 | Pheriche → Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m | Long but downhill |
| 11 | Namche → Lukla | 2,860 m | Last trekking day |
| 12 | Fly Lukla → Kathmandu | — | Keep a buffer day for weather delays |
Altitudes are approximate; sources vary by a few metres. See our Everest Base Camp elevation guide for the full altitude profile.
Why the acclimatisation days matter
Above about 3,000 m, a common guideline is to increase your sleeping altitude by no more than 300–500 m a day and to take a rest day every 1,000 m or so. The Namche and Dingboche days follow that rule. On rest days, hike higher and come back down to sleep (“climb high, sleep low”). Skipping them is the most common reason trekkers get altitude sickness.
Getting to Lukla
Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport, a short but dramatic flight. In busy seasons, flights often depart from Manthali (Ramechhap) instead, a several-hour drive from Kathmandu. Flights are weather-dependent and delays of a day or more are common, so add at least one spare day at the end of your trip.
Permits, guides and costs
You will need local entry permits for the Khumbu region and Sagarmatha National Park, usually arranged in Kathmandu, Monjo or through your trekking agency. Nepal has tightened rules on independent trekking in recent years, and the Everest region’s requirements have changed more than once, so confirm current permit and guide rules with the Nepal Tourism Board or a licensed agency before you go.
Daily life on the trail
- Teahouses: simple lodges with shared rooms, dining halls heated by stoves, and basic toilets.
- Food: dal bhat (rice and lentils) is the staple and is often refilled for free; prices rise with altitude.
- Water: treat or filter all water; avoid single-use plastic bottles.
- Charging and Wi-Fi: available for a fee in most villages, less reliable higher up.
- Walking time: usually 5–7 hours a day, longer on Base Camp day.
Shorter and longer options
- Fly out from Gorak Shep by helicopter to save 2–3 days (expensive).
- Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass: add 3–5 days for turquoise lakes and a high pass.
- Three Passes Trek: a challenging 18–20 day loop for experienced trekkers.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for Everest Base Camp?
About 12 days from Lukla and back, plus travel days in Kathmandu and a spare day for weather.
How far is the Everest Base Camp trek?
Roughly 130 km (80 miles) round trip from Lukla.
Can you see Everest from Base Camp?
Not well. The summit is hidden by surrounding peaks. The best view is from Kala Patthar.
Is the EBC trek hard?
It’s non-technical, but altitude makes it challenging. See how hard is the EBC trek.
Keep reading
- Everest Base Camp Elevation Guide
- How Hard Is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Best Time to Trek Everest Base Camp
- Kala Patthar vs Everest Base Camp
Hi, I am Emam Hasan — founder and editor of BrokeMountain. I oversee this blog’s hiking, camping and outdoor gear guides, making sure every article is well-researched, accurate and genuinely helpful for your time on the trail. Enjoy it!
