The Everest Base Camp trek is a remarkable adventure that offers a rare opportunity to explore the heart of the Himalayas.
Likely due to its monumental reputation, a commonly posed inquiry among enthusiasts bidding to make it to EBC revolves around the distance and duration of the trek.
As trekkers traverse the same paths once treaded by predecessors on their journey to the summit, they run across elaborate landscapes and ingrained cultural sentiments that defy expectations.
How long is the trek to Everest Base Camp?
Covering approximately 130 kilometers or 80 miles from Lukla to the Everest Base Camp and back, the EBC trek experiences a substantial altitude gain along the 14-day trek, its elevations emphasized both as a challenge and thrill.
Commencing with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, which sets the stage for an exciting journey ahead, the trail unfolds with stops at captivating destinations such as Namche Bazaar, Phakding, Tengboche, Gorakshep, Dingboche and many more.
Throughout these destinations trekkers are treated to a visual feast of beautiful mountains, diverse vegetation and landscapes that shift with each step.
Beyond the physical adventure and natural beauty, the EBC trek is also a cultural pilgrimage. The rich tapestry of Sherpa heritage, their unique traditions and the Himalayan way of life encourages a deeper connection between the locals and the trekkers.
The Everest Base Camp trekking is an experience etched in the memory of those fortunate enough to have walked the magnificent trail.
Among various highlights, the pinnacle of the trek unfolds at the arrival at EBC, surrounded by towering peaks and the awe-inspiring Khumbu icefall, it is a moment of triumph and profound serenity.
Overview of the daily distances on the Everest base camp trek
Below is a tabulated outline of the distances between various locations along the Everest Base Camp trail, alongside the corresponding duration required to reach each destination:
| Day | Location | Distance (km) | Duration (hours) |
| 2 | Lukla – Phakding | 8.2 km | 3 to 4 hrs |
| 3 | Phakding – Namche Bazaar | 12 km | 6 to 7 hrs |
| 4 | Namche Bazaar (Acclimatization) | 5.4 km | 4 to 5 hrs |
| 5 | Namche Bazaar – Tengboche | 10.5 km | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 6 | Tengboche – Dingboche | 11.5 km | 6 to 7 hrs |
| 7 | Dingboche (Acclimatization) | 5.1 km | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 8 | Dingboche – Lobuche | 8 km | 5 to 6 hrs |
| 9 | Lobuche – Everest Base Camp – Gorakshep | 11.7 km | 8 to 9 hrs |
| 10 | Gorakshep – Kalapatthar – Periche | 15.2 km | 8 to 9 hrs |
| 11 | Periche – Namche Bazaar | 19.5 km | 7 to 8 hrs |
| 12 | Namche Bazaar – Lukla | 20 km | 8 to 9 hrs |
Day 2: Lukla to Phakding (3 to 4 hours, 8.2 Km)
The trek officially begins after a scenic flight that lands at Lukla (2,840m) from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
Trekkers begin with a gentle descent to Chheplung from Lukla accompanied by the Dudhkoshi river to their left. Along the way, the captivating sight of Mount Kusum Kanguru (6,367m) unfolds at Thado Koshigaon, further leading to Ghat.
Unlike the initial portion of the trail, the concluding stretch from Ghat presents a gentle ascent, culminating at an altitude of 2,610m at Phakding.
Covering 8.2 kilometers, the trek from Lukla to Phakding is an approximately three-hour expedition through various suspension bridges and picturesque sherpa villages.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (6 to 7 hours, 12 Km)
On the 3rd day of the trek, through a slightly undulating trail, trekkers eventually get from Phakding to Monjo.
The path continues along the Dudhkoshi river and sets through a series of suspension bridges, and charming little villages to get to Bengkar where the majestic Thamserku (6,608m) looms into view.
From Bengkar, the trail descends bringing trekkers to Jorsale while the trail identically fluctuates until the Hillary Bridge, named after Sir Edmund Hillary himself, also the last suspension bridge of the day.
The 12-kilometer trek concludes after a steady 2.5-hour ascension to reach the bustling Sherpa town Namche Bazaar.
Day 4: Namche Bazaar acclimatization (4 to 5 hours, 5.4 Km)
The acclimatization trek begins with an ascension to Everest Viewpoint followed by the picturesque village of Syangboche, renowned among trekkers for its captivating views.
Further, trekkers navigate a dominantly flat trail to get to Hotel Everest View (3,880m).
Boasting awe-inspiring vistas of peaks like Mount Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Ama Dablam (6,812m), Hotel Everest View is another popular viewpoint in the Khumbu region.
Ending with a descent from Hotel Everest View back to Namche Bazaar, the journey accumulates to roughly 4 hours and covers 5.4 kilometers.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (5 to 6 hours, 10.5 Km)
The journey from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche commences with a trek to Kenjoma along its well-made, leveled yet undulating path.
Following a gentle descent from Kenjoma trekkers reach Phunke Tenga where the breathtaking sights of majestic mountains like Kangtega (6,782m) and Thamserku (6,608m) unfold before them.
It is upon arrival at Tengboche that trekkers are rewarded with an even more intimate perspective of the surrounding mountains, enhancing the surreal beauty of the landscape.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (6 to 7 hours 11.5 Km)
On the 6th day of the trek, the journey from Tengboche (3,860m) to Dingboche (4,410m) spans 11.5 kilometers and takes approximately six hours to complete.
The trail beginning from Tengboche to Deboche is a gentle descent leading to Pangboche where trekkers are required to navigate a few suspension bridges.
Pangboche a typical farm village, is renowned for cultivation in the area. Here, trekkers can also spot various massive mountains up-close.
Following a mild ascent while crossing the tree line, the final stretch where trees are still visible, trekkers reach Somare.
The final walk from Somare to Dingboche rewards trekkers with a closer view of mountains like Ama Dablam (6,812m), Nuptse (7,861m) and Lhotse (8,516m).
Further at Dingboche, you can also see mountains like Peak 38 (7,590m), Island Peak, Mount Chiumo (6,890m), and Ama Lapcha.
Day 7: Dingboche Acclimatization (5 to 6 hours, 5.1 Km)
Dingboche serves a pivotal role as an acclimatization point following Namche Bazaar. The trek begins with a demanding uphill ascent to reach the summit of Nangkartshang Peak (5,083m).
From the peak, trekkers can catch a panoramic view of mountains like Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Cho Oyu (8,188m), Ama Dablam (6,812m), Peak 38 (7,590m), Makalu (8,481m), Kusum Kanguru (6,367), and Baruntse (7,163m) gracefully surrounding the peak.
The acclimatization journey concludes as trekkers make their way back to Dingboche after having covered a total distance of 5.1 kilometers.
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (5 to 6 hours, 8 Km)
On the 8th day, trekkers set out for Lobuche (4,910m), embarking on a roughly 5-hour long journey covering approximately 8 kilometers.
The path from Dingboche to Thukla involves a gentle ascent, offering trekkers glimpses of several mountains including the flanks of Cho La, Taboche (6,495m), and Cholatse (6,440m).
Ascending through the Khumbu Khola valley, the trail gradually leads to Thukla and continues upward until Thukla Pass.
Beyond the Thukla pass, the terrain transforms into a more rugged and barren landscape as trekkers approach Lobuche.
Lobuche further welcomes trekkers with captivating views of various mountains like Nuptse (7,861m) Changri (6,027m), Pumori (7,161m), and Lho La (6,006m).
Day 9: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorakshep (8 to 9 hours, 11.7 Km)
On the 9th day trekkers journey towards Gorakshep (5,190m), beginning with a smooth ascent the concluding section of the trek is fluctuating and rocky.
The trek from Gorakshep to the Everest Base Camp is also a similarly undulating terrain, with frequent ascents and descents.
Upon reaching Everest base Camp, trekkers are rewarded with intimate views of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Day 10: Hike to Kala Pathhar and descent to Pheriche (8 to 9 hours, 15.2 Km)
The ascent to Kala Pathhar (5,555m) from Gorakshep is an entirely uphill trek through steep, challenging terrain.
Upon reaching Kala Pathhar trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of prominent mountains like Pumori, Lingtren (6,749m), Lho La, Mount Everest (8,849m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Ama Dablam, Kangtega (6,782m), Thamserku, Taboche, and Changri.
Descending back to Pheriche, trekkers retrace their steps through the same route used at the time of ascension, passing through Lobuche and Thukla Pass.
It is after Thukla Pass that trekkers diverge towards Periche, concluding their trek for the day.
Day 11: Periche to Namche Bazaar (7 to 8 hours, 19.5 Km)
The descent from Periche to Namche Bazaar constitutes the longest trek of the journey, encompassing a total distance of roughly 19.5 kilometers to be covered in approximately seven hours.
Trekkers retrace their steps through familiar landmarks with a beginning descent from Somare and gradually progress through Pangboche, Deboche, and Tengboche.
Only experiencing a significant descent at Phunke Tenga, trekkers ascend to Kenjoma and finally reach Namche Bazaar following a flat steady terrain.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (8 to 9 hours, 20 Km)
Namche Bazaar to Lukla marks the official conclusion of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Offering trekkers another opportunity to revisit familiar paths, this trek too retraces the trail taken at ascension.
Beginning from the descent to the Hillary Bridge, trekkers follow a fluctuating but steady trail through Jorsale, Monjo, Phakding and Chheplung.
Upon reaching Chheplung trekkers make a gentle ascent for a few meters to arrive at Lukla, the very destination where the trek concludes.
