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Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

The classic walk to the foot of the world's highest mountain. A 12-day plan from Kathmandu with daily stops, altitudes and walking times, an altitude profile, warnings and permits. Pick your start date and add it to your calendar.

Duration

12 days

9 walking, from Kathmandu

Highest point

5,545 m

Kala Patthar

Difficulty

Challenging

Everest (Khumbu)

Best months

March to May + October to November

Spring and autumn

Planning guide, not a substitute for a guide. Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources by 10 to 150 m and by an hour or more. Weather, trail damage and road changes alter plans. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Plan your dates

Add rest or spare days

Altitude profile

The height you sleep at each night. Dots: green rest day, amber and red a bigger climb than the usual guideline. Triangles mark the highest point of a day.

0k1k2k3k4k5k6k3,000 m: altitude guidelines startEverest View Hotel area: about 3,880 mNangkartshang ridge: about 5,000 mEverest Base Camp: about 5,364 mKala Patthar: about 5,545 mDay 1: Phakding, about 2,610 mDay 2: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 mDay 3: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 mDay 4: Tengboche, about 3,860 mDay 5: Dingboche, about 4,410 mDay 6: Dingboche, about 4,410 mDay 7: Lobuche, about 4,940 mDay 8: Gorak Shep, about 5,164 mDay 9: Pheriche, about 4,370 mDay 10: Namche Bazaar, about 3,440 mDay 11: Lukla, about 2,860 mDay 12: Kathmandu, about 1,400 m123456789101112Day

3 days climb faster than the usual guideline (about 500 m a night above 3,000 m, and a rest day roughly every 1,000 m). This is common on the standard route. Go slowly, drink plenty, and add the rest days above if you can.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding

    Sleep: Phakding · about 2,610 m (sources: 2,610 to 2,652 m)Walking 3 to 4 hFlight to Lukla: about 30 to 35 min from Kathmandu. In peak seasons many flights leave from Manthali (Ramechhap), about a 4 to 6 h drive from Kathmandu, then 15 to 20 min in the air

    Lukla is about 2,860 m. Walk down to Phakding along the Dudh Koshi. Flights depart early and are cancelled in bad weather, so keep spare days.

  2. Day 2

    Phakding to Namche Bazaar

    Sleep: Namche Bazaar · about 3,440 mWalking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +830 m

    Cross the high suspension bridges and enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo. The final 800 m climb to Namche is steep and tiring.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 830 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  3. Day 3 · rest day

    Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar

    Sleep: Namche Bazaar · about 3,440 mWalking 2 to 3 hReach Everest View Hotel area · about 3,880 m

    Walk high and sleep low. A popular option is a short hike toward Khumjung and the Everest View Hotel (about 3,880 m), then return to sleep at Namche.

  4. Day 4

    Namche Bazaar to Tengboche

    Sleep: Tengboche · about 3,860 m (sources: 3,860 to 3,870 m)Walking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +420 m

    Traverse above the Dudh Koshi, drop to Phunki Tenga and climb to Tengboche monastery, with views of Ama Dablam.

  5. Day 5

    Tengboche to Dingboche

    Sleep: Dingboche · about 4,410 mWalking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +550 m

    Pass Pangboche and enter the upper Imja valley, above the tree line.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 550 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  6. Day 6 · rest day

    Acclimatisation day at Dingboche

    Sleep: Dingboche · about 4,410 mWalking 3 to 4 hReach Nangkartshang ridge · about 5,000 m (sources: 5,000 to 5,100 m)

    A hike up the ridge behind Dingboche to about 5,000 m, then return to sleep at 4,410 m.

  7. Day 7

    Dingboche to Lobuche

    Sleep: Lobuche · about 4,940 m (sources: 4,910 to 4,950 m)Walking 5 to 6 hSleeping altitude +530 m

    Cross the Thukla pass with its memorials to climbers, and follow the Khumbu glacier moraine to Lobuche.

    Your sleeping altitude rises about 530 m. The usual guideline above 3,000 m is no more than about 500 m a night.

  8. Day 8

    Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp

    Sleep: Gorak Shep · about 5,164 m (sources: 5,150 to 5,180 m)Walking 7 to 8 hReach Everest Base Camp · about 5,364 mSleeping altitude +220 m

    Gorak Shep is a short walk across the moraine, then you continue to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep to sleep. A long day at high altitude.

  9. Day 9

    Kala Patthar sunrise to Pheriche

    Sleep: Pheriche · about 4,370 m (sources: 4,280 to 4,371 m)Walking 7 to 8 hReach Kala Patthar · about 5,545 m (sources: 5,545 to 5,644 m)

    Climb Kala Patthar before sunrise (about 2 to 3 h). Most trail signs show 5,545 m and some GPS readings give about 5,640 m. Then descend to Pheriche.

  10. Day 10

    Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

    Sleep: Namche Bazaar · about 3,440 mWalking 6 to 7 h

    A long day down the valley, passing Tengboche.

  11. Day 11

    Namche Bazaar to Lukla

    Sleep: Lukla · about 2,860 m (sources: 2,840 to 2,860 m)Walking 6 to 7 h

    Back down the Dudh Koshi. A farewell evening in Lukla, ready for the early flight.

  12. Day 12

    Lukla to Kathmandu

    Sleep: Kathmandu · about 1,400 mFlight about 30 to 35 min (or to Manthali in peak seasons, then a 4 to 6 h drive)

    Fly back to Kathmandu. Lukla flights are often delayed by weather, so avoid tight international connections.

Permits

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Khumbu local-government (Pasang Lhamu) permit
  • Check current requirements and fees at Lukla or Monjo before you go

Fees and rules change, so this page does not quote prices. Check the current fee with your agency or the permit office.

Altitude sickness basics

  • Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night, and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing.
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness are early signs. Do not go higher with symptoms.
  • If symptoms get worse, or you feel confused or unsteady, go down immediately.
  • Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and do not travel alone. Ask a doctor about medication before you go.

General information, not medical advice.

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Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary from Kathmandu

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek starts with a flight to Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi and Imja valleys through Sherpa villages, past Namche Bazaar and Tengboche monastery, to Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m). From there you walk to Everest Base Camp (about 5,364 m) and climb Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m, some GPS readings about 5,640 m) for the best view of Everest.

The altitude gain is large, so the route includes two acclimatisation days, at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. Do not skip them. Many people struggle on the long days above Dingboche, and weather can delay the Lukla flights in either direction.

Day-by-day itinerary (12 days)

  1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla to Phakding. Sleep at Phakding (about 2,610 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h. Flight to Lukla: about 30 to 35 min from Kathmandu. In peak seasons many flights leave from Manthali (Ramechhap), about a 4 to 6 h drive from Kathmandu, then 15 to 20 min in the air.
  2. Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Sleep at Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  3. Day 3: Acclimatisation day at Namche Bazaar. Sleep at Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). Walking about 2 to 3 h. Reach Everest View Hotel area (about 3,880 m).
  4. Day 4: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche. Sleep at Tengboche (about 3,860 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  5. Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche. Sleep at Dingboche (about 4,410 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  6. Day 6: Acclimatisation day at Dingboche. Sleep at Dingboche (about 4,410 m). Walking about 3 to 4 h. Reach Nangkartshang ridge (about 5,000 m).
  7. Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche. Sleep at Lobuche (about 4,940 m). Walking about 5 to 6 h.
  8. Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp. Sleep at Gorak Shep (about 5,164 m). Walking about 7 to 8 h. Reach Everest Base Camp (about 5,364 m).
  9. Day 9: Kala Patthar sunrise to Pheriche. Sleep at Pheriche (about 4,370 m). Walking about 7 to 8 h. Reach Kala Patthar (about 5,545 m).
  10. Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar. Sleep at Namche Bazaar (about 3,440 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  11. Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla. Sleep at Lukla (about 2,860 m). Walking about 6 to 7 h.
  12. Day 12: Lukla to Kathmandu. Sleep at Kathmandu (about 1,400 m). Flight about 30 to 35 min (or to Manthali in peak seasons, then a 4 to 6 h drive).

Altitudes and walking times are compared from several operator itineraries and differ between sources. Confirm your route, permits and fees with a licensed agency or guide.

Best time

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height.

Permits

  • Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
  • Khumbu local-government (Pasang Lhamu) permit
  • Check current requirements and fees at Lukla or Monjo before you go

Altitude sickness

Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a night and rest about every 1,000 m of climbing. Do not go higher with symptoms, and descend if they get worse. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu?

This plan takes 12 days from Kathmandu back to Kathmandu, with 9 days of walking and the rest for travel and rest. Itineraries from operators vary, and you can add extra rest days on the page.

How high does the Everest Base Camp Trek go?

The highest point most itineraries reach is Kala Patthar, at about 5,545 m.

What is the best time for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

March to May and October to November. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best seasons. Autumn has the clearest skies and is the busiest. Spring is warmer, with rhododendrons in bloom, but afternoon cloud is common. June to August is monsoon, and December to February is cold with snow at height.

Do I need a permit for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Sagarmatha National Park entry permit. Khumbu local-government (Pasang Lhamu) permit. Check current requirements and fees at Lukla or Monjo before you go. Fees change, so confirm the current amounts with your agency.

How many days does the Everest Base Camp trek take from Kathmandu?

About 12 days with the two standard acclimatisation days, counting the flights. Add spare days for Lukla flight delays.

How high is Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar?

Everest Base Camp is about 5,364 m. Kala Patthar is about 5,545 m on most maps, although some GPS readings give about 5,640 m. Gorak Shep, where most people sleep, is about 5,164 m.

Do the Lukla flights leave from Kathmandu?

In quieter months they do. In the peak spring and autumn seasons many flights have moved to Manthali (Ramechhap) airport, a 4 to 6 hour drive from Kathmandu, to reduce congestion. The change dates vary, so confirm with your airline or agency.