How Long to Walk the EBC Trail? Daily EBC Trek Distances

Everest Base Camp is more than just a spot on the map; it’s the heart of a remarkable adventure through the Himalayas. Each day’s walk covers different distances and elevations, which play a big role in how you feel on the trail. The Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek distance is approximately 130 kilometers, or about 80 miles, round trip. Most trekkers take 12 to 14 days to complete the journey at a comfortable pace, giving their bodies time to adjust.

The trek starts at the Lukla airstrip at 2,840 meters and gradually climbs to the famous Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. On average, you’ll walk 8 to 15 kilometers a day, which usually means five to seven hours of steady trekking. Taking it slow, planning for acclimatization days, and listening to your guides will help you handle the elevation safely and enjoy every step of this classic Himalayan adventure.

Starting the EBC Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek begins in Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal. Trekkers gather in the Thamel district, famous for its cosy hotels, trekking shops, and lively restaurants where travellers from all over the world share stories and plan their journeys. This is where you will meet your guide or group, acquire your trekking permits, and do a final check on your equipment to make sure you’re ready for the adventure ahead. Once everything is in order, you’ll leave the city behind and take a short but thrilling flight to Lukla. This tiny mountaintop airport, perched at 2,840 meters, serves as the main point of origin for the trek and marks the real start of your walk towards Everest. From here, everyone begins trekking to Phakding or Monjo on the first day, easing into the trail at a gentle pace. Each night, trekkers stay in locally owned family teahouses along the route. These simple but welcoming lodges offer hot food, warm beds, and that genuine Nepalese hospitality that makes trekking in this part of the world so memorable.

Route Options and Trail Alternatives to Everest Base Camp

The classic Lukla to Everest Base Camp trek is by far the most popular choice among trekkers from around the world, but it is not the only way to reach this fabled place. If you want to see more of the stunning Khumbu region, bypass the most travelled portions of the trail, or test yourself against extra challenges, there are several other fantastic route alternatives to consider. These options encompass the valleys and the high mountain passes. Some are longer and tougher, suitable for explorers who crave wilderness isolation and raw panoramas. Others combine cultural aspects with stunning vistas that few visitors to the Everest region ever get to enjoy. 

1. Three Passes Trek

If you are looking for the best Himalayan circuit, the Three Passes Trek is the one to go for. The demanding circuit features three high passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m) and Renjo La (5,360 m). You’ll be trekking to Everest Base Camp as well as exploring lonely valleys, glistening glaciers, and breathtaking viewpoints that only a few trekkers get to enjoy. The route is longer, tougher, and requires peak-level fitness, but it rewards you with sensational views from every angle.

2. Gokyo Lakes Trek

This beautiful alternative adds a detour to the immaculate Gokyo Valley, where you’ll see a series of turquoise glacial lakes and climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for one of the best views of Everest and its neighbouring peaks. Many trekkers combine the Gokyo trek with the Cho La Pass to rejoin the classic trail to Base Camp, creating an unforgettable loop with less foot traffic than the main route.

3. Jiri to Everest Base Camp

To do the traditional adventure, walk in from Jiri or Salleri instead of flying into Lukla. This was the original route used by previous Everest climbers (prior to airport construction at Lukla). The route goes over lower-altitude ridges, terraced fields and scattered villages and takes 5 to 7 days more on the trek. It’s tougher but more rewarding in terms of cultural immersion and an opportunity to see rural Nepal off the beaten path.

4. Helicopter Return

Some people prefer to hike to Everest Base Camp and then return to Lukla or Kathmandu by helicopter. That way, you’re saving your energy and time while descending, and you do get to catch a glimpse of Everest and the Khumbu Glacier from above. It’s an excellent idea if you don’t have much time for holidays or you want to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime bird’s-eye view of the world’s highest peaks.

Distance and Duration Breakdown for the EBC Journey

The classic Everest Base Camp trek itinerary takes about 14 days, starting with your arrival and preparation in Kathmandu before a short flight to Lukla, where the adventure begins. From Lukla, you trek through the Dudh Koshi Valley to Phakding, then steadily climb to the bustling Sherpa hub of Namche Bazaar to acclimatize. The route continues through iconic stops like Tengboche and Dingboche, with planned acclimatization hikes to Everest View Hotel and Nangkartshang Peak to help you adjust to the high Everest Base Camp. Each day covers a manageable EBC trek daily distance while allowing your body to adapt safely. After reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and climbing Kalapatthar for sunrise views, the route descends through Pheriche and Namche Bazaar before ending back in Lukla for a return flight to Kathmandu.

Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu – Arrival and Trek Preparation

Day 2: Scenic Flight to Lukla and Trek to Phakding (2,840 / 9,318 ft to 2,610 / 8,563 ft)

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 / 11,286 ft)

Day 4: Acclimatization Day – Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 / 12,730 ft)

Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860 / 12,664 ft)

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 / 14,469 ft)

Day 7: Acclimatization Hike to Nangkartshang Peak (5,083 / 16,667 ft)

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 / 16,109 ft)

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Visit Everest Base Camp (5,364 / 17,598 ft)

Day 10: Sunrise at Kalapatthar and Descent to Pheriche (5,540 / 18,176 ft to 4,240 / 13,911 ft)

Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (3,440 / 11,286 ft)

Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 / 9,318 ft)

Day 13: Morning Flight Back to Kathmandu (1,400 / 4,600 ft)

Day 14: Final Departure from Kathmandu

Elevation and Daily Walking Hours

Knowing what to expect in terms of daily elevation gain and walking hours is an important part of preparing for the Everest Base Camp trek. Having a precise idea of what’s expected of you day by day, you’ll feel more confident and best positioned to enjoy every inch of this incredible Himalayan trek and make the most of the spectacular scenery.

Day	Route	Elevation (m/ft)	Daily Distance	Walking Hours
1	Arrive in Kathmandu	1,400 m / 4,600 ft	–	–
2	Kathmandu to Lukla, trek to Phakding	2,840 m to 2,610 m	8 km	3 to 4 hrs
3	Phakding to Namche Bazaar	2,610 m to 3,440 m	10 to 12 km	6 to 7 hrs
4	Acclimatization hike to Everest View Hotel	3,440 m to 3,880 m	5 km	3 to 4 hrs
5	Namche Bazaar to Tengboche	3,440 m to 3,860 m	10 km	5 to 6 hrs
6	Tengboche to Dingboche	3,860 m to 4,410 m	11 km	5 to 6 hrs
7	Acclimatization hike to Nangkartshang Peak	4,410 m to 5,083 m	4 km	3 to 4 hrs
8	Dingboche to Lobuche	4,410 m to 4,910 m	8 km	5 to 6 hrs
9	Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp	4,910 m to 5,364 m	12 km	6 to 7 hrs
10	Kalapatthar sunrise and descend to Pheriche	5,540 m to 4,240 m	12 km	7 to 8 hrs
11	Pheriche to Namche Bazaar	4,240 m to 3,440 m	14 km	7 hrs
12	Namche Bazaar to Lukla	3,440 m to 2,840 m	18 km	7 hrs
13	Fly to Kathmandu	1,400 m	–	–

Daily Walks to Everest Base Camp – Backed by Guidance, Care, and Safety

Everest Base Camp trek is a wonderful experience consisting of daily treks carefully planned to accommodate distance, elevation, and recovery. You are completely taken care of with every step you take, which allows you to acclimatize nicely and maintain a relaxed pace. The trek can be challenging with rocky trails and high elevation, but with the right guidance, it becomes an uplifting, achievable expedition.

From sturdy lodges to careful rest days, your trek is designed to maintain you in top condition and high spirits so you can appreciate the breathtaking Himalayan views and unique culture in between. Safety and care are always of utmost priority, providing comfort on your journey towards the world’s highest peak.

Building on this foundation, Mountain Routes goes beyond standard trekking tours by creating custom journeys tailored to your goals, fitness level, and travel style. From the initial planning call to the final helicopter ride out, our team works closely with you to design a route that blends adventure with comfort. Every detail is managed permits, premium lodges, delicious meals, personalized route adjustments, and any special requests so your trek feels uniquely yours.

Our experienced guides do more than lead the trail; they bring the culture to life while prioritizing your safety. Meanwhile, our dedicated support team monitors logistics and weather, letting you focus on enjoying each moment. With Mountain Routes, your Everest Base Camp experience is safe, seamless, and fully personalized every step of the way.