Classic Everest Base Camp route
16 day Everest Base Camp trek itinerary
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Lukla
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Namche Bazaar
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Tengboche Monastery
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Dingboche
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Lobuche
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Kala Patthar
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Everest Base Camp
A trek to Everest base camp is as much a pilgrimage as a straightforward trek, but there’s much more to the region than ‘just’ Mt Everest... -
Pheriche
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Phortse
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Monjo
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Lukla
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Lukla
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Surpassed only by the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal trekking lore, the Everest Base Camp trek carries ultimate bragging rights – even if that means coming with some commercialised baggage.
This is the classic Everest Base Camp itinerary. It follows good trails with moderate daily distances which, at more reasonable altitudes, would make for an easy-going hike. But here, at the foot of the tallest mountain on earth, even easy trails present a challenge. The EBC trek is famous and popular, but it demands respect. In this itinerary there are essential (non-optional) acclimatisation days, but no side treks or rest days. If you have more time to spare you may find some of the other Everest routes to be more interesting and less crowded.
Whatever you choose, the challenge is well worth it and this is guaranteed to be a high point – quite literally – in your lifelong memories.
Key information
| Destinations | Everest Base Camp |
|---|---|
| Activity | Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Culture |
| Physical Level | Strenuous |
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Suggested itinerary
Arrive Kathmandu, fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding
Day 1–2 in Lukla
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where you'll be met and receive a private transfer into central Kathmandu and to the KGH Hotel in the heart of the Thamel district. Get a briefing on your forthcoming adventure, and in the evening enjoy dinner in one of the many choices of cafes & restaurants in the city.
The next day, take a private transfer to the airport for a 40 min flight to Lukla. Meet your porter team, then trek a short downhill descent to the river valley. Walk 3-4 hours to the village of Phakding (2610m) and stay overnight in a typical trekking lodge.
The distance is around 10km with approx 650m descent/390m ascent.
Trek to Namche Bazaar and acclimatise
Day 3–4 in Namche Bazaar
Begin by following the trail alongside the river and through pine forests to Jorsale. As you cross the river you will hopefully glimpse Everest's summit over the Nuptse ridge. It's then a climb of 2-3 hrs as the trail heads up to the Sherpa capital. Walking time approx. 5-6hrs, altitude 3440m.
The distance is 10km with 1150m ascent and 400m descent.
At 3440m, it is a good opportunity for an acclimatisation day to let your body adjust, so spend your second day exploring Namche. It is a fascinating place to explore with several souvenir shops, cafes, and bars. Take an acclimatisation walk up to the Museum of Sherpa Culture, then near the museum there’s an excellent Everest viewpoint and magnificent views of the iconic peak of Ama Dablam.
Trek to Tengboche Monastery
Day 5 in Tengboche Monastery
Starting with a steep climb out of Namche where you'll have spectacular views of the main valley with Everest sitting behind the Nuptse Ridge. You now contour the hillside with a couple of shorter but steep climbs to then lose height as you walk down to the Imja Khola and cross the river via a bridge. It's then a steady climb up the ridge to reach the village of Tengboche, renowned for its great views and monastery where hopeful Everest summiteers might seek the blessings for their challenges that lie ahead.
The distance is 11km with about 870m ascent and 420m descent.
Trek to Dingboche and acclimatise
Day 6–7 in Dingboche
More up and down (but mostly up) as you gradually make your way to Dingboche. After around 3 hours you'll reach Pangboche, home to the oldest monastery in the region.
The distance is 11.5km with about 870m ascent and 415m descent.
Now at 4410m another acclimatisation day is necessary. It's good practice to aim to go a little higher and then to come back down again to allow the body the best chances of acclimatising. So, today you can walk up into the Imja Valley towards Chukung, which will have fantastic views.
The distance is around 10.5km with 440m ascent and descent as you spend a further night in Dingboche.
Trek to Lobuche
Day 8 in Lobuche
You will be walking less distance today than the previous few days, but at the higher altitude it will likely feel harder. It takes around 5-6 hours to make the steady ascent up to Lobuche, at 4910m.
The distance is around 8.5km with 650m ascent.
Trek to Gorak Shep
Day 9 in Kala Patthar
Today you'll walk 3-4 hours up to Gorak Shep, at 5140m, with the opportunity to make the further ascent to Kala Patthar, a fantastic Everest view point. If you are feeling low on energy and struggling, then the trek to Kala Patar can be done the next day.
The distance is around 5.5k with 300m ascent.
Everest Base Camp
Day 10 in Everest Base Camp
Today you will walk around 6 hours to Everest Base Camp and then back to Gorak Shep. The summit of Everest cannot be seen from the EBC but there are some pretty impressive views of the tumbling Khumbu Icefall and the west shoulder of Everest.
The distance is around 7km with under 200m ascent and descent.
Kala Patar and to Pheriche
Day 11 in Pheriche
Hoping for clear morning weather it takes around 2 hours to follow the now well worn trail to Kala Patar, at 5500m, which offers the classic view of Everest. Returning to Gorak Shep you walk back down to Lobuche and then onto Pheriche, at 4270m, where there is a permanent clinic staffed by western doctors during the main trekking season.
The distance is around 16km, with approximately 7-8hrs walking and 500m ascent and 1400m descent.
Trek to Phortse
Day 12 in Phortse
You're essentially heading down the way you came up and today the walk to Phortse which takes around 6-7 hrs.
The distance is around 14km distance with 450m ascent and 1300m descent.
Trek to Monjo
Day 13 in Monjo
A long descent down to the river and then up a zig zagging trail to the Mon La. A slight deviation off the main EBC trail, which you now rejoin and descend to Namche. A further couple of hours walking mostly downhill and you'll arrive in Monjo.
The distance is around 14km with 650m ascent and 1350m descent and takes around 6-7hrs walking.
Back Up to Lukla
Day 14 in Lukla
At first you continue to head down the valley, passing through Phakding and then climb back up to Lukla.
The distance is around 13.5km with about 670m ascent and 580m descent and takes about 5hrs of walking.
Fly to Kathmandu and depart
Day 15–16 in Lukla
You will take off from Lukla for the short flight to Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you from the airport to the hotel. However, you may wish to consider additional contingency plans, whether it be for any delays/cancellations that can and do occur for flights to/from Lukla, or any difficulties that may arise on the trek.
On day 16 a private transfer will take you to Kathmandu airport for your return international flight. If you don’t want to leave, in the planning stage you can also customise your journey and stay longer.
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