Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a personal accomplishment for many people. The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek covers a total of 130 km (approximately 81 miles) round trip. Often seen as a bucket list adventure, the hike to Everest is an ultimate opportunity to see the base of the world’s highest mountain (Mount Everest) in all its glory. Understanding the Everest Base Camp trek distance is a vital step in planning a trek.
With an average of 40,000 visitors annually, the EBC trek is at its prime all year. Everest Base Camp Trek is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, inside Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Everest base camp trek distance extends about 130 km (80 miles) round trip. It is situated on the south side of Mount Everest. EBC is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters.
The trek to EBC is more than just a trek, it is one of the most rewarding journeys for the trekkers. Navigating through diverse terrains, forests, bridges, and rough mountain paths, the trek is around 10-15 days long. The daily distances range between 8 to 15 kilometers, depending on the pace and itinerary.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance, Elevation, and Trekking Hours
| Day | Route | Distance (km) | Trekking Time (hr) | Starting Elevation (m) | Ending Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, Trek to Phakding | 7–8 km | 3–4 hr | 2,840 m | 2,610 m |
| Day 2 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 10–11 km | 6–7 hr | 2,610 m | 3,440 m |
| Day 3 | Acclimatization Hike (Everest View Hotel) | 4–5 km | 3–4 hr | 3,440 m | ~3,800 m |
| Day 4 | Namche to Tengboche | 10 km | 5–6 hr | 3,440 m | 3,860 m |
| Day 5 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 11 km | 5–6 hr | 3,860 m | 4,410 m |
| Day 6 | Acclimatization in Dingboche | 4–5 km | 3–4 hr | 4,410 m | ~4,800 m |
| Day 7 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 9–10 km | 5–6 hr | 4,410 m | 4,940 m |
| Day 8 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep, EBC, back to Gorak Shep | 12–13 km | 7–8 hr | 4,940 m | 5,364 m (EBC) |
| Day 9 | Kala Patthar hike and descent to Pheriche | 12–13 km | 7–8 hr | 5,164 m | 4,280 m |
| Day 10 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 14–15 km | 7–8 hr | 4,280 m | 3,440 m |
| Day 11 | Rest day in Namche Bazaar | – | – | 3,440 m | 3,440 m |
| Day 12 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 18–20 km | 7–8 hr | 3,440 m | 2,840 m |
| Day 13 | Fly back to Kathmandu | – | 0.5 hr (flight) | 2,840 m | ~1,400 m |
| Day 14 | Explore Kathmandu | – | – | ~1,400 m | ~1,400 m |
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Breakdown
While the total Everest Base Camp trek distance may not seem to be a demanding trek, the high altitude makes the trek much more difficult than a regular hike. Moreover, the distance to the Everest base is full of hurdles and steep. That’s why having a well-planned itinerary for the Everest is crucial. It makes the journey more manageable and enhances the overall experience.
There are three different ways to reach the EBC trek. The most popular way is trekking from Lukla. You have to take a flight to Lukla airport to trek to Everest Base Camp. The classic route is by bus, like Jiri to Everest Base Camp. Though it is an authentic experience, it takes an extra 5-6 days. Finally, the most expensive way is a helicopter route. This takes a few hours, but you will be unable to trek for a short period.
Here is a 14-day Everest Base Camp trek Itinerary, starting from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla airport and trek to Phakding
Today, your EBC trek starts with the early morning flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. While enjoying scenic views, the trek guide will lead the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp. Starting with a slow trek towards villages, you will hike from Dudh Koshi to Phakding, travelling a total distance of 7-8 km, which takes 3-4 hours. While the start of the trek feels relatively easy, the sudden change in the air pressure can already start to feel different.
Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar
The trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar spans approximately 10–11 kilometers and takes around 6 to 7 hours to complete. This part of the journey winds through lush pine forests, across suspension bridges, and past traditional Sherpa villages. As you gradually ascend, the trail becomes steeper and more physically demanding due to the high elevation gain. If the weather is clear, you’ll also catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest on this day, making the challenge all the more rewarding. The trek ultimately leads you to the colorful market of Namche Bazaar, a vital stop for acclimatization and supplies.
Day 3: Acclimatization day in Namche Bazar
An acclimatization trek is crucial during high-altitude journeys like the Everest Base Camp Trek, so rest and acclimatize. You can take a short hike to the Everest View Hotel for stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, or trek to Khumjung village. These short treks take 3-4 hours, covering 4-5 km. They are crucial to improve your body’s oxygen efficiency by helping you get used to the altitude.
Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazar to Tengboche
After bidding your goodbyes to colorful Namche Bazaar, you will start the trek from Namche Bazaar to Dudh Koshi. You will climb through the forests to the spiritual hub of Tengboche. The route taken is challenging, especially during the first 2 hours. This trek will take 5-6 hours, covering 10 km.
Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche
On the route to Everest base camp, this part of the trek is comparatively easy and allows you to explore the area’s natural elegance. Passing through the lush forests, a suspension bridge will take you over the Imja Khola River. After trekking for 11 km, you will gradually ascend to Dingboche. The higher altitude starts making every step a bit difficult. The landscape becomes more barren and wind-exposed.
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Due to the exhaustion from daily distances traveled, another vital stop before reaching the base camp is required. As the decrease in oxygen levels and atmospheric pressure seems to be prominent in Dingboche, acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness.
Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche
In this journey to Everest base camp, the trail will start to feel more bumpy and rocky. You will hike all the way to a barren valley and pass by a memorial park, to the Khumbu Glacier. This trek takes 5-6 hours, covering 9-10 km of distance. Due to the high length and elevation gain, breathing becomes more difficult.
Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep, then to Everest Base Camp and back
Ascending the final journey towards Everest base camp, you will have to start hiking early, as the trek takes 7-8 hours. Trekking the distance of 12-13 km, we will reach Everest base camp via Gorak Shep. Gorak Shep offers a stunning view of Everest and the nearby area. Then, hike up to Everest to see the ultimate view of Mount Everest. Standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak, enjoy the rewarding fulfillment of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
You must get back on the Everest base camp trail before sunrise to Kala Patthar. Explore the breathtaking view of Everest and its surrounding mountains. While planning to trek to EBC, you must be aware of the hurdles while hiking to Kala Patthar. This trek takes 7-8 hours, covering a distance of 12-13 km of the EBC trek.
Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazar
Another long trek of 8 hours, you will follow a similar path through Pangboche and Tengboche. You will trek a distance of 14-15 km. The breathing starts to get easier with an altitude drop. However, the downhill strain on the knees can be challenging. With the unique experience of sightseeing, you will return to the vibrance of Namche Bazar again.
Day 11: Stay at Namche Bazar
The Everest base camp trek distance drains a lot of energy from your body. Also, the point of the trek is not only to experience the outer views but also to understand the people and their cultural significance. Therefore, cultural Exploration shouldn’t be missed. Stay a day at Namche Bazar to explore the town, visit the Sherpa museum, and enjoy the spirit of the local market.
Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazar to Lukla
The final leg of your trek will be to hike back to Lukla, retracing through monasteries, villages, and bridges. On a long journey downhill, the exhaustion can make this day challenging. This is the longest trek, you will trek 7-8 hours covering a distance of 18-20 km.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
Finally, after getting back to the gateway to Everest. Catch a 30-minute flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. Rest your body, and do refreshing activities to freshen up.
Day 14: Explore Kathmandu
After the daring journey to the Everest region, take a day for yourself to explore Kathmandu. Enjoy!
Which is the most challenging hike on the EBC Trek?
Along with the panoramic views and lifelong experience of adventure, the EBC Trek route is somewhat challenging for many trekkers. The Everest Base Camp Trek distance requires not only dedication but also proper planning and an itinerary. The distance to the Everest base is considered moderate to hard, depending on several factors, such as the level of proficiency of the trekkers. While the entire distance of the Everest base is not severely difficult, daily distances require significant physical endurance and stamina to hit the goals.
The trek is considered hard due to the high altitude and steep climb to Kala Patthar, which is regarded as the most challenging hike of the entire route. On this day, trekkers will be covering 13–14 km, with a steep ascent of approximately 4 km from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar. Acquiring the greatest hurdle, Kala Patthar, presents various obstacles such as a combination of thin air and demanding ascents. It is the highest altitude reached during the Everest trek, reaching an altitude of 5,545 meters, surpassing even the Everest Base Camp. It is also known as “Black Mountain” in Nepal.
Furthermore, the hike from Phakding to Namche Bazar is challenging too. This trek covers a 10–11 km distance, with a steep 3 km ascent towards the end, as trekkers climb from 2,610 m to 3,440 m in elevation.
Kala Patthar is often windy and dark, and the temperature is freezing. Many trekkers find it tough in Kala Patthar due to its unpredictable weather and demanding physical and mental fitness. The most common problem people have experienced in Kala Patthar is altitude sickness. You may suffer from symptoms like nausea, headache, or breathlessness. Despite the barriers, Kala Patthar is one of the rewarding hikes in the entire trek with the best Everest view. The sunrise view is spectacular, giving you a sense of unmatchable accomplishment.
The hurdles of the Kala Patthar can be minimized if you become more careful in certain things. The first step is to research, you need to know what you are up to. Take the proper time to research your trek through many resources and try to get updated. Also, take physical training, your body needs more strength than any usual hike. Along with this, be a mindful eater. Eating healthy food will save you more than you know, and drinking more water. Finally, listen to your body.
A Typical Day In the Everest Base Camp Trek
A typical day in the Everest Base Camp trek starts with waking up early. You wouldn’t want to miss the breathtaking views of sunrises and mountains in the early morning. Some activities may differ from how your Everest base camp trek package is, however, most of the activities are the same. Many trekking companies offer specific routes, meals, and logistics accordingly.
There will be a knock on your teahouse door, offering you hot tea or coffee. Take enough warm drinks to deal with the Everest base camp trek altitude. After sipping your warm drink, you step out to experience the cool air, and maybe a glimpse of sunrise if you take my advice of waking up early.
After a while, breakfast will be served. In the teahouse dining room, you fuel up for the long hike ahead.
With your crew and local guide, you hit the trail. On average, trekkers cover about 10–15 kilometers each day, depending on the route and the altitude. The journey won’t be very easy, as a lot of trekking will be required since the trek distance is 130 km. After breakfast, you’ll have to walk for 4–6 hours, depending on the day’s distance and terrain.
You can stop somewhere for a tea break or a light snack. After that, you will stop at a lodge or village for a proper Lunch. Enjoy your healthy lunch and rest for a bit. After lunch, you’ll typically walk for another 3–5 hours, depending on how much distance remains.
Once you reach the destination, drop your bags, explore the place, and relax. Along the Everest base camp, explore Sagarmatha National Park and the other Himalayas.
Back at the teahouse, relax again with a cup of hot drinks, spend time with your crew, and talk about your day and your adventures.
Finally, dinner is ready. As the dinner is served early, dig into the food, filled with conversations and stories, in the dining hall.
After dinner, your body will start feeling lazy, and you will wind down. It’s very cold at night, and for the next day’s fun, you sleep early.
Conclusion
A trip to Everest base camp requires strategic planning and proper preparation. Understanding the difficulties and knowing how many km you’ll be covering per day is a smart tactic to overcome many difficulties. It helps you prepare physically and mentally for the challenges to come and ensures your safety. You’ll be hiking 10-15 km per day, depending on the pace and the altitude, with the total round trip covering a distance of 130 km. With proper acclimatization days and well-timed breaks, the proper itinerary will assure your safety.