Everest Base Camp Trek Distance: Day Wise Distance Guide
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- By Parbat Luitel
If you are planning the Everest Base Camp Trek, one of the first things you may wonder is, “How many kilometers do I actually have to walk?”
The Everest Base Camp Trek is not all about reaching the Everest base camp. It’s a trip through mountain villages, suspension bridges, forests, high altitude scenery and the famous Khumbu region. You will walk various distances per day on the various routes, depending on the altitude and acclimatization schedule.
The total distance to be covered on the Everest Base Camp trek is approximately 130 km on the round trip. The typical route with acclimatization days and travel days is 14 days. The average hike is 5 to 6 hours a day on regular days and 7 to 8 hours a day on the longer days.
Hence, for those looking for the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance per Day, here is a very easy guide to understand the distance of the trek.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Overview:
If you just want the important numbers, here is the quick version:
| Distance Information | Approximate Figure |
| Total Everest Base Camp Trek distance | 130 km / 81 miles |
| Starting point of trek | Lukla |
| Everest Base Camp altitude | 5,364 m / 17,598 ft |
| Highest point | Kala Patthar, 5,550 m / 18,209 ft |
| Trek duration | 14 days |
| Actual trail days | 11 days |
| Acclimatization days | 2 days |
| Average walking time | Around 5–6 hours per day |
| Trek grade | Challenging |
| Main starting flight | Kathmandu to Lukla |
What is the distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The total distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek is approximately 130 km round trip. But that does not mean you’re walking 130km without stopping. The distance is spread over trekking days. Some days are shorter and some days are longer with walks.
The shortest walking day is approximately 4 km in the acclimatization phase and the longest about 18 km. It takes about 5-6 hours to walk per day on average. However, the distance is only one part of the challenge. The farther you go up to higher altitudes, the shorter distance can feel extremely tiring due to the changes in the air quality.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Day-wise
Here is a quick look at the EBC Trek distance based on the standard itinerary.
| Day | Route | Distance | Walking Time | Highest/End Altitude |
| Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | — | — | 1,400 m |
| Day 2 | Lukla to Phakding | 8 km | 4 hrs | 2,610 m |
| Day 3 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 12 km | 5–6 hrs | 3,440 m |
| Day 4 | Namche Acclimatization | 7 km | 2–3 hrs | 3,440 m |
| Day 5 | Namche to Tengboche | 10 km | 5–6 hrs | 3,870 m |
| Day 6 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 10 km | 5–6 hrs | 4,410 m |
| Day 7 | Dingboche Acclimatization | 4 km | 3–4 hrs | 4,410 m |
| Day 8 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 8 km | 5–6 hrs | 4,910 m |
| Day 9 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and back | 12 km | 7–8 hrs | 5,364 m |
| Day 10 | Kala Patthar to Pheriche | 18 km | 7–8 hrs | 5,550 m |
| Day 11 | Pheriche to Namche Bazaar | 17 km | 7–8 hrs | 3,440 m |
| Day 12 | Namche Bazaar to Lukla | 18 km | 7–8 hrs | 2,840 m |
| Day 13 | Lukla to Kathmandu | — | Flight | 1,400 m |
| Day 14 | Final Departure | — | — | — |
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Distance: No trekking
This Everest Base Camp trip starts in Kathmandu. No trekking distance to cover; this is not a walking day. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be dropped off at your hotel and be informed about the trek. Depending on the time of arrival, you can also go for a trek briefing and a traditional Nepali welcome dinner.
Kathmandu is approximately 1400m in altitude, so you can get plenty of rest before heading towards the Everest region.
Day 2: Lukla to Phakding
Distance: 8 km
Walking time: 4 hours
Lukla altitude: 2,860 m
Phakding altitude: Around 2,610 m
After flying to Lukla, your actual trek starts from here.
The flight takes you to Lukla, one of the main gateways to the Everest region. Lukla is where you begin to walk towards Phakding.
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The first day is a fairly short one, with longer days to follow. The path goes through small mountain villages, and along the Dudh Koshi Valley. It will take you through areas around Chheplung and Ghat and finally to Phakding.
How Hard is Lukla to Phakding?
This is a relatively easy walking day of the trek. But don’t rush. Your body will start to acclimatize itself to the mountain.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Distance: 12 km
Time to do walking: 5 to 6 hours
Namche altitude: 3,440 m
However, once you leave Phakding, it gets tougher as you trek toward Namche Bazaar.
You will pass through Dudh Koshi Valley, several suspension bridges and Monjo and Jorsale before entering into Sagarmatha National Park.
There is a big hill at the end of Namche. This makes it one of the first physically challenging days of the trek as you head from Phakding to Namche which is around 12 km.
Namche Bazaar is one of the most popular acclimatisation centres and one of the best known places on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Day 4: Acclimatizing Day at Namche Bazaar
Distance: 7 km
Time on foot: 2-3 hours
Altitude: 3,440 m
This is a rest and acclimatisation day but that doesn’t mean you’ll sit a whole day in a lodge.
There is about 7 km of walking on the Namche acclimatization day. The idea is to keep moving and allow your body to acclimatize itself to the altitude.
You can visit Namche and trek up to other viewpoints, and then sleep again in Namche.
This is simply the acclimatisation principle of climbing higher during the day and returning to a lower elevation to sleep.
Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
Distance: 10 km
Trekking time: 5-6 hours walking
Tengboche altitude: 3,870 m
Once acclimatised at Namche, the route heads towards Tengboche.
The track hugs the mountain side and offers outstanding views of the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam and Thamserku.
You will then head down towards Phunki Tenga and then climb up to Tengboche.
Tengboche is especially renowned for its significant Buddhist monastery, Tengboche Monastery, which is located in the Khumbu region.
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
Distance: 10 km
Duration on foot: 5 – 6 hours
Dingboche altitude: 4,410 m
The next phase is deeper into the high Himalayan region.
The path from Tengboche then goes down through forest to Deboche and then crosses the Imja Khola. Then you head towards Pangboche and gradually ascend up to Dingboche.
Dingboche is a high-altitude Sherpa village in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal
As you climb the land opens out, becoming more alpine.
Dingboche is an important overnight stop as this is the first night above 4000m.
Day 7: Day of Acclimatization in Dingboche
Distance: 4 km
The walking time is approximately 3-4 hours
Altitude: 4,410 m
The second acclimatisation day is at Dingboche.
One popular trek is towards the Nangkartshang Peak, where you can catch a glimpse of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan peaks.
This is a very important day, as the next steps are above 4900m.
Day 8: Dingboche – Lobuche
Distance: 8 km
Walk duration: 5 – 6 hrs.
Lobuche altitude: 4,910 m
The path goes on to Lobuche from Dingboche.
As you leave the lower alpine vegetation on the way out the surroundings get increasingly barren. You’ll travel through the area around Thukla and ascend to the memorial area of climbers who died in the Himalayas. From there it’s back to Lobuche on the footpath.
It’s not as long as it has been in the past but the elevation makes this section pretty tough.
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and Back
Distance: 12 km
Walking Time: 7-8 hours
Altitude of Everest Base Camp: 5,364 m
This is a crucial day of the overall hike.
From Lobuche, you start walking towards Gorak Shep. From there, you follow the rocky path by the Khumbu Glacier towards Everest Base Camp.
The trek ends at Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and then you head back to Gorak Shep for the night.
Distance isn’t the only problem at this elevation. With the thin air, rocky terrain, the cold temps and the long walking hours, this is one of the physically challenging days.
On the way to Everest Base Camp
What is the Distance of Gorak Shep from Everest Base Camp?
This distance may differ slightly from trail to trail and from one method of measurement to the next. The route to Everest Base Camp and back to Gorak Shep and the entire journey to Lobuche to Gorak Shep to EBC is measured as around 12 km.
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Day 10: Kala Patthar to Pheriche
Distance: 18 km
Walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Highest point: 5,550 m
Day 10 is another long and challenging day.
Most of the trekkers begin trekking early in the morning towards Kala Patthar. Kala Patthar (5,550 m) is the highest peak of the standard Everest Base Camp Trek.
It’s a steep climb in some parts and the air is thin so it is harder to climb.
The reward is an incredible panoramic view of Mount Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Ama Dablam and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
Once you reach the Kala Patthar hike, you head down towards Gorak Shep and then down to Pheriche.
7-8 hours of trekking is done across the total distance of the day which is about 18 km.
This is one of the longest and toughest days of the tour.
Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
Distance: 17 km
Walking time: 7 – 8 hours
After reaching Pheriche, the trek begins its return toward lower elevations.
The trail goes through Pangboche and Tengboche, and then on to Phunki Tenga and Namche Bazaar.
The good thing is that on the way down, as the oxygen level is increasing, walking should be easier than when going up.
Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
Distance: 18 km
Walking time: 7 – 8 hrs.
On this last and longest walking day in the standard itinerary you will be transferred from the airport to the hotel.
From Namche you head back down towards Lukla. Jorsale, Monjo, Phakding and other Sherpa villages are traversed along the way to Lukla.
After reaching Lukla, you can finally relax and celebrate completing the Everest Base Camp Trek.
Day 13: Lukla to Kathmandu
Distance: No trekking
Once you finish the walk you then fly back from Lukla towards Kathmandu. The flight completes the trekking part of your Everest Base Camp adventure.
Day 14: Final Departure
Distance: No trekking
The last day will be for departure from Nepal. Depending on the flight plan, there will be some free time in Kathmandu prior to the airport transfer.
Why Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Take So Long?
On the surface, 130 km sounds like quite a short distance which can be done in a few days. But the Everest Base Camp Trek is not a normal distance trek. The walk to Mount Everest takes about two weeks for a number of reasons.
High Altitude
The trail slowly rises from Lukla (2,860m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and then to Kala Patthar (5,550m).
Acclimatization
There are 2 acclimatization days, one at Namche Bazaar and another at Dingboche. These days are for your body to acclimate to the higher elevation.
Mountain Terrain
The hike involves some rock, a lot of hill climbing, suspension bridges and some rough walking and glacier.
Slow Walking Pace
When walking at high altitude it is important to be slow and take frequent rest breaks. Rushing to finish the walk will heighten the level of fatigue and altitude issues.
Long Return Days
The trek back involves long days like Pheriche to Namche (17 km), and Namche to Lukla (18 km).
Which Day Has the Longest Everest Base Camp Trek Distance?
The longest walking days are:
- Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Pheriche – 18 km
- Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla – 18 km
- Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar – 17 km
What’s interesting here is that the days with the longest hours are not always the days you climb the most. Some of the longer distances come during the return journey.
Which Is the Shortest Day of the EBC Trek?
The shortest walking day is 4km which is the initial acclimatization hike at Dingboche. The Namche acclimatization hike is also quite short which is approximately 7 km.
The shorter days are added to allow your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Don’t consider them easy days that don’t need to be taken. They play a key role in the trekking journey plan.
Which Day is the Hardest?
Many trekking groups find the days from Dingboche to Lobuche and Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp the most challenging days.
Altitude is a very important component. It is very different to walk 10 km at lower altitudes in the mountains compared with at high altitudes, such as above 4,500m. The oxygen in the air decreases with elevation which may result in higher breathing rates, slower rates, and more frequent rest breaks.
Hardest day in Everest Base Camp Trek
The high elevation and rocky glacial terrain make Lobuche to Everest Base Camp a particularly difficult and challenging trek.
The Kala Patthar trek is also difficult in terms of getting to a height of approximately 5545m and returning down the hill.
Hence, the importance of having a well-customized Everest Base Camp tour that includes acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, rather than attempting to cover as much ground as you can in as short a time as possible.
Why Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Vary?
The difference is due to a number of reasons.
The first is the measure of routes. Trails distances can be slightly different to GPS and digital maps.
The second is due to side hikes. The time spent hiking in Namche will be less. The journey by jeeps takes 2 hours and 40 minutes or longer depending on the route taken, to reach Everest View Hotel, Khumjung or to other local areas. The same goes for Dingboche, where some trekkers trek towards Nangkartshang.
The third one is the route of choice. Due to minor changes in the trail, the overall trail distance may change.
Due to this, it is recommended to take ~130 km as the overall planning value.
How to Prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance
There’s no need to be an athlete to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. But it is advisable to work on endurance before coming to Nepal.
Start Walking Regularly
Try to walk as many times as you can during the week and then gradually increase the distance you walk.
Include Uphill Walking
Try to get your legs ready for the mountain terrain with stair climbing, hill walking and uphill treadmill sessions.
Build Endurance
Your training should be enough to be able to walk several days in a row, not just one long walk.
Practice With a Backpack
Do a stroll with a backpack of the same size you would be carrying on the trip.
Train Your Legs
Squats, lunges, step ups and other basic strength training exercises will help prepare your legs for repeated ascending and descending.
Do Not Focus Only on Speed
Everest Base Camp Trek is not a competition. Walking at a steady pace with regular breaks is more helpful than attempting to pick up the pace.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and Difficulty
The classic Everest Base Camp Trek is an adventure.
The real difficulty does not lie in the climbing itself. For the simple trek, no mountaineering ropes or special climbing experience is required.
The challenge lies in:
- High altitude
- Long walking days
- Steep uphill sections
- Rocky and rough trails
- Cold temperatures
- Thin air
- Often getting in and out of the bed
- Remote mountain conditions
This is why it is important to acclimatize and walk slowly.
Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and Difficulty
How Does Altitude Affect the EBC Trek Distance?
Changes in altitude can affect how you feel on the journey.
Elevations are steadily rising as you continue on from Lukla to Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep.
The higher the elevation, the lower the amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason it’s important to walk more slowly and stop more often. That is why it is not possible to evaluate the duration of the Everest base camp trek by just kilometers of distance every day.
A 4km walk at high altitude sometimes seems harder than a longer walk at a lower altitude. Acclimatisation days at Namche and Dingboche will enable your body to acclimate before you proceed higher.
Does the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance Include Kala Patthar?
Yes, the walking distance in Kala Patthar is included in the overall itinerary distance.
Kala Patthar is not the Everest Base Camp. It is a popular view point to get a great view of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks, and is located above Gorak Shep.
Kala Patthar is the highest elevation on the Everest Base Camp Trek route at 5,550 metres.
Why choose Access Nepal Tours and Treks to plan your Everest Base Camp Trek?
The hike of 130 km in the Everest region is no longer an easy trek, but the right support can ease and enjoy the trek.
Access Nepal Tours and Treks can assist you with the Everest Base Camp Trek with a well-planned itinerary, skilled local trekking support, Everest Base Camp Trek Accommodation, transportation, and all the necessary trekking arrangements.
A local trekking company would also be familiar with the trail conditions, altitude changes, and practical challenges that may arise during the trek. This will come in handy if you are on a high-altitude walk for a few days.
Access Nepal Tours and Treks is a Nepal-based trekking company registered with relevant tourism authorities and trekking associations of Nepal and has been running tours and treks since 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions About Everest Base Camp Trek Distance
How many km is the Everest Base Camp Trek?
The Everest Base Camp Trek is about 130 km (81 miles) round trip.
How far is Lukla from Everest Base Camp?
The Everest Base Camp to Lukla and back is about 130 km on the normal route. Exactly one way distance is dependent on trail, and measurement technique.
How many km do you walk each day on the EBC Trek?
Daily distances vary. This will vary from around 4 km on the acclimatization day at Dingboche to 18 km on some of the longer trekking days.
What is the longest walking day on the Everest Base Camp Trek?
Kala Patthar to Pheriche is approximately 18 km as is Namche to Lukla, which are among the longest days of walking.
What is the shortest walking day?
The Dingboche acclimatization day is around 4 km. It is deliberately short to give trekkers the opportunity to acclimatise to high altitudes.
How many hours do you walk each day?
Most days are around 5 to 6 hours of trekking, and some longer days are 7 to 8 hours of trekking.
Is the Everest Base Camp Trek difficult?
Yes. It is said that this hike is a very difficult one due to the high altitude, long walking days, steepness, and uneven trails of the mountains.
What is the highest point of the EBC Trek?
The standard route culminates at Kala Patthar, 5,550 meters (18,209 ft). Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft).
Is the Everest Base Camp Trek 130 km or 65 km?
Both figures can show up as people can measure the different parts of the track differently. The standard itinerary requires around 130 km for the whole round trip. The distance between Lukla and the Everest Base Camp is about 65 km in a straight line, but the actual distance may vary depending on the route and the way it is measured.
Can I reduce the amount of walking?
Yes. You can help to shorten the trekking distance by a helicopter return. This may be a suitable option for hikers who wish to maximize their time or don’t wish to walk all the way back.
Conclusion
So, the total distance covered in a trek is about 130 km round trip, which is spread over a number of trekking days. During most days, it takes about 5-6 hours to walk the distance with the longer days taking 7-8 hours.
The distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek varies during the day according to how hard you walk, ranging up to 4 km on the acclimatization days and up to 18 km on the longest walking days. But you have to keep in mind that distance is not the only obstacle. The altitude, terrain and walking time all have an impact on the trek.
The distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek is not that difficult if you trek at a steady pace, acclimatise properly and prepare well.
For a well-planned trek with local trekking service, the ideal option is the Everest Base Camp Trek from Access Nepal Tours and Treks, which provides a standard package of Everest Base Camp Trek with an itinerary designed around gradual altitude gain, acclimatization and a comfortable trekking pace.
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