Everest Base Camp Trek Distance: A Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,265 ft)

 

Distance Covered: No trekking today

Elevation Gain: 0 m (staying at 1,300 m/4,265 ft)

Walking Time: Varies based on activities

Difficulty Level: Easy

 

Day 1 is all about settling into Kathmandu, soaking up the culture, and getting ready for the exciting days ahead.

 

The city serves as the perfect gateway to your Everest Base Camp trek, offering both adventure and relaxation before you set off into the mountains.

 

Day 02: Explore Kathmandu & Prepare for the Trek (1,300 m/4,265 ft)

 

Distance Covered: No trekking today

Elevation Gain: 0 m (staying at 1,300 m/4,265 ft)

Walking Time: Varies based on activities

Difficulty Level: Easy

 

Day 2 offers the perfect blend of exploration and preparation, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in Kathmandu’s vibrant culture while finalizing your trek plans.

 

It’s an ideal way to ease into the adventure and set the tone for the incredible journey to Everest Base Camp.

 

Day 03: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding (2,610 m/8,563 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 8 km / 5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,310 m / 4,297 ft

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

 

Day 3 is an exciting start to your Everest Base Camp trek, as you transition from Kathmandu’s bustling streets to the tranquil beauty of the Everest region.

 

The relatively easy trek to Phakding is a great way to begin the adventure, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and ease into the trekking routine.

 

Day 04: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,280 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 10.5 km (6.5 miles)

Elevation Gain: 1,130 m (3,710 ft)

Walking Time: 5-7 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

This day is pivotal in the trek as it provides both a physical challenge and a chance to absorb the spectacular natural beauty of the Everest region, setting the tone for the adventures to come.

 

Day 05: Acclimatization at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft)

 

Distance Covered: No trekking today (Rest and acclimatization)

Elevation Gain: 0 m (Staying at 3,440 m / 11,280 ft)

Walking Time: Varies based on acclimatization activity (optional short hikes)

Difficulty Level: Easy

 

Day 5 in Namche Bazaar is all about rest and acclimatization. While you don’t cover much distance, the day is essential for your safety as you prepare to continue trekking into higher altitudes.

 

Take it slow, enjoy the sights, and make sure your body is ready for the next steps of the adventure!

 

Day 06: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 m/12,664 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 10 km / 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 420 m / 1,377 ft

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Day 6 offers a perfect combination of physical challenge and cultural enrichment. The day’s relatively moderate trek prepares you for the upcoming days of higher-altitude trekking while also offering a valuable chance to connect with the region's culture.

 

Day 07: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 11 km / 6.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 550 m / 1,804 ft

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Day 7 marks another step towards the higher altitudes, with the trek from Tengboche to Dingboche offering some of the most breathtaking mountain views along the trail.

 

The steady climb is not too strenuous, but the altitude makes it essential to pace yourself. Dingboche is the perfect place to rest and prepare for the upcoming acclimatization day, while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

 

Day 08: Acclimatization at Dingboche (4,410 m/14,469 ft)

 

Distance Covered: Varies (Short hikes around Dingboche)

Elevation Gain: None (rest day)

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty Level: Easy

 

Day 8 is an essential part of your trek to Everest Base Camp, allowing for proper altitude acclimatization while still keeping you active and engaged with the surrounding environment.

 

It’s the perfect balance of relaxation, light exercise, and preparation for the more strenuous days ahead.

 

Day 09: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m/16,109 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 6 km / 3.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 500 m / 1,640 ft

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Day 9 offers an exciting combination of awe-inspiring views and physical challenge, as you trek from Dingboche to Lobuche.

 

The steady ascent provides a chance for you to reflect on the beauty and solitude of the Himalayas, while also ensuring your body is adjusting properly to the increasing altitude.

 

The day is a crucial part of the journey towards Everest Base Camp, and Lobuche serves as an important rest point before the final push to Gorakshep.

 

Day 10: Lobuche to Gorakshep - Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,598 ft) and back to Gorakshep (5,140 m/16,864 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 10 km / 6.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 454 m / 1,490 ft (Lobuche to Gorakshep), 224 m / 735 ft (Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp)

Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Difficulty Level: High

 

Day 10 is a day of triumph and one of the most memorable moments of your trek to Everest Base Camp. The strenuous hike to Gorakshep, followed by the final climb to Base Camp, represents the culmination of days of hard work and perseverance.

 

Standing at the foot of Mount Everest will fill you with a sense of awe, achievement, and wonder — it’s the highlight of your journey, and a memory that will last a lifetime.

 

Day 11: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) and trek to Pheriche (4,240 m/13,911 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 8 km / 5 miles (Round trip to Kala Patthar) + 9 km / 5.6 miles (Pheriche)

Elevation Gain: 405 m / 1,331 ft (Gorakshep to Kala Patthar)

Elevation Loss: 1,305 m / 4,281 ft (Kala Patthar to Pheriche)

Walking Time: 4-5 hours (Round trip to Kala Patthar) + 3-4 hours (Pheriche)

Difficulty Level: High (due to altitude, early start, and descent)

 

Day 11 marks the final stages of your trek’s high-altitude adventure, from the challenging yet rewarding hike to Kala Patthar to the comfortable descent to Pheriche.

 

The day offers a powerful sense of accomplishment, with a chance to reflect on the stunning beauty of the Everest region and your journey to some of the highest and most awe-inspiring points in the Himalayas.

 

It’s a day of triumph, relaxation, and preparation for the next phase of your trek.

 

Day 12: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,280 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 11 km / 6.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Day 12 provides a nice balance of challenge and relief as you descend from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.

 

With the lower altitude and easier terrain, the trek will feel more manageable compared to the previous days, and the lively, charming atmosphere of Namche will provide a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.

 

As you near the end of your trek, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Khumbu region one last time before beginning your journey back down.

 

Day 13: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m/9,318 ft)

 

Distance Covered: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Elevation Loss: 600 m / 1,968 ft

Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

 

Day 13 is a comfortable and scenic final day of trekking as you descend from Namche Bazaar to Lukla. The day offers an opportunity to reflect on the journey you’ve undertaken, as well as the sense of accomplishment after reaching Everest Base Camp.

 

The peaceful journey through the valley provides a fitting end to your trek in the stunning Khumbu region, and your celebratory dinner in Lukla will mark the completion of an unforgettable adventure.

 

Day 14: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu (1,300 m/4,265 ft), Farewell Dinner

 

Distance Covered: 0 km (Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu)

Elevation Loss: 1,540 m / 5,050 ft

Flight Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy (Flight day)

 

With the exhilarating flight back to Kathmandu and a memorable farewell dinner, it’s a day filled with reflection, celebration, and appreciation for the incredible adventure you’ve just completed.

 

This final day marks the end of an unforgettable journey, one filled with incredible views, camaraderie, and a deep sense of achievement.

 

Day 15: Contingency Day

 

Distance Covered: 0 km (Rest day in Kathmandu)

Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft (Kathmandu)

Difficulty Level: Easy (Rest day)

 

Day 15 is all about flexibility and ensuring your trip concludes smoothly, whether by catching up on lost time or simply having an extra day to rest and reflect.

 

This day allows you to savor the last moments of your Nepal adventure, recharge before your journey home, and prepare for the flights ahead.

 

Day 16: Depart Kathmandu

 

Distance Covered: 0 km (Departure from Kathmandu)

Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft (Kathmandu)

Difficulty Level: Easy (Departure day)

 

Day 16 is the final chapter of your Everest Base Camp trek. As you depart Kathmandu, you’ll carry with you the memories of this incredible journey through the Himalayas.

 

Whether you’re heading back home or continuing your travels, the experience of trekking to Everest Base Camp will stay with you for a lifetime, and the lessons learned on the trail will continue to inspire you long after you’ve returned.

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance - FAQs

 

1. How long is the Everest Base Camp trek?

The entire trek covers a distance of approximately 130 km (80 miles) round trip, with daily distances varying from 6 km to 16 km.

 

2. What is the highest point on the Everest Base Camp trek?

The highest point on the trek is Kala Patthar, at 5,545 m (18,192 ft), where you'll get spectacular views of Mount Everest.

 

3. How challenging is the ascent to Everest Base Camp?

The final ascent to Everest Base Camp is strenuous, requiring a 7-8 hour trek from Gorakshep at 5,140 m (16,864 ft). It's a long day with a significant elevation gain of 454 m (1,490 ft).

 

4. Is there a contingency day in the itinerary?

Yes, Day 15 is a contingency day, allowing for rest or any delays in the trek. It's a buffer for any unforeseen circumstances.

 

5. What is the total elevation gain during the trek?

Throughout the trek, you'll gain a total elevation of around 4,300 m (14,100 ft) from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp.

 

6. What is the longest day on the trek?

The longest day is Day 10, when trekking from Lobuche to Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp, covering a total of 10 km (6.2 miles) and gaining significant elevation.

 

7. What is the most challenging day on the trek?

The most challenging day is Day 11, with a round trip hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m / 18,192 ft) before descending to Pheriche (4,240 m / 13,911 ft). This involves a high ascent of 405 m (1,331 ft) and a descent of 1,305 m (4,281 ft).

 

8. How long does it take to trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp?

It typically takes 7-8 days to trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, with multiple acclimatization days.