Everest Base Camp Trek Distance

If you are wondering about the Everest Base Camp Trek distance and everything related to this most popular trek destination in Nepal, read our article until the end!

The Everest Base Camp is the ultimate destination for trek enthusiasts worldwide. It sits at an elevation of 5,364 meters and offers a close and grand view of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, and other surrounding peaks. Its adventurous trails go through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sagarmatha National Park. En route, you will pass famous settlements, picturesque paddy farms, ancient monasteries, rivers, waterfalls, and the beautiful Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Icefall. 

The Everest Base Camp is an adventure and a cultural and spiritual journey. The settlements along the route offer rich cultural experiences and warm hospitality. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you enjoy the views of Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and several other peaks. Hence, thousands of tourists attempt to reach it. So, let’s explore more details about the Everest Base Camp distance, length, and elevation, and related information!

How long is the Everest Base Camp Trek Distance?

The total distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back is 130 km or 80 miles. The one-way distance is 65 km. The entire journey, including acclimatization days, usually takes 12 to 14 days to complete. However, trekkers can shorten and extend the trek itinerary as they require. 

The flight operating from Kathmandu Airport to Lukla has been diverted to the Manthli Airport, Ramechhap, to reduce the air traffic in Kathmandu. So, those who want to fly to Lukla must drive to Ramechhap, which takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on the road conditions. There are no flight operations between Kathmandu and Ramechhap up until this date. It is a 30-minute scenic flight from Manthali Airport to Lukla. The Lukla flight is one of the most thrilling and scenic.

Upon reaching the Lukla airport, your adventure will begin. The average walking distance is 6 to 7 hours, during which trekkers cover a daily distance of  7 km to 12 km. The trek distance and hours can vary depending on the day’s destination. The average altitude gain is around 300 to 500 km per day. However, the classic trail to the base of the world’s highest mountain includes stops at Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and Kalapathar. After completing the journey, you will hike back to Lukla, from where you will fly back to Ramechhap and then back to Kathmandu. 

Namche Bazaar and Dingboche are generally used as popular acclimatization stops. It is best to take proper acclimatization to avoid the risk of altitude sickness and over-exertion. Due to its moderate grade, the EBC Trek is suitable for trekkers of all ages and levels. However, trekkers must properly plan the itinerary for the Everest Base Camp.      

Everest Base Camp Trek Distance and Elevation

To give you a clear idea of the Everest Base Camp Trek distance and elevation, we have created a table of day-to-day elevation gain using our Himalayan Leaders’ 18 days EBC Trek. 

Everest Base Camp via Jiri 

Before the Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla came into operation, trekkers had to trek from Jiri to Everest Base Camp. This is the original, classic route that Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norway Sherpa followed to summit Mount Everest (8849 meters) in 1953. Since it covers more distance and takes longer to reach EBC via Jiri, only a few trekkers take this route. Jiri is the original gateway of the Everest region. You can also do the Everest Three Passes Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek, and others. 

Trekkers must first take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri that takes 7 to 8 hours and covers 190 km. They will drive on the B.P. Highway for the initial part of the bus ride, after which they will take smaller roads. From Jiri, trekkers will hike on the route, passing by Deorali, Bhandar, Lamjura Pass, Sete, Junbesi, Nunthala, Bupsa, and Surke. From Surke, you will connect with the route to Phakding towards Everest Base Camp. 

As it takes longer time to hike all the way from Jiri, most trekkers with limited time on their hands prefer to take a flight to Lukla. The small town of Lukla is the starting point of the trek as well as the end of the trek. It takes 18 to 21 days to complete the trek via the Jiri route. But adventurous ones who want to follow in the footsteps of Sir Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa still begin their journey from Jiri.  

Day-to-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Distance: 

Fly to Lukla (30 minutes) and trek to Phakding (7 km/ 4.34 miles)

Your journey begins with a 30-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu or Manthali to Lukla. You will land at the Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Lukla. 

From Lukla, you will begin your trek to Phakding. It is a relatively easy hike, and you will trek past traditional villages, hillside terrace farms, and forest trails. You will also get your first glimpse of the mountain views. The total trek duration for the day takes 3 to 4 hours.  

Phakding to Namche Bazaar (7.4 km/ 4.6 miles)

The Everest Base Camp trail from Phakding enters a beautiful pine forest along the Dudh Koshi River. Along the way, you will cross several bridges, including the famous Hillary Suspension Bridge. After crossing Benkar, Chumoa, and Monji village, you will reach the entrance of the Sagarmatha National Park. Then, the trails get steep as you get closer to Namche Bazaar. The trek from Phakding to the Sherpa’s capital, Namche Bazaar, takes 6 hours. 

Acclimatization Day at Namche Bazaar 

You will take an acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar to allow your body to adapt to the growing high altitude. There are several things you can do on this day. You can visit the Tourist Visitor Center near the Sagarmatha National Park headquarters. Similarly, you can take a side trip to Khumjung and climb to Syangboche. You can hike to the Everest View Hotel and sip coffee from the world’s highest hotel. The total distance covered on this day is around 5.4 km, and the trek duration is 4 to 5 hours.  

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (5.9 km/ 3.6 miles)

The trails from Namche Bazaar gradually ascend, overlooking spectacular mountain views. They gradually descend to Kayangjuma and reach Sansa, a junction between Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Valley. Then, you must climb steep trails and head into the conifers forests before reaching Tengboche. On this day, you will cover 5.9 km and take 6 hours of trekking. 

Tengboche to Dingboche (9.1 km/ 5.6 miles)

 You will leave the home of the Tengboche Monastery, Tengboche, and start climbing uphill. En route, you will pass several small settlements, stupas, mani walls, and chortens. The trail begins to get gentler as you enter the Imja Valley. The trail opens up and offers a grand view of the Lobuche River. You will descend towards the river and make a steep climb to reach Dingboche. The distance from Tengboche to Dingboche is 9.1 km, and it takes 6 to 7 hours of trekking.  

Acclimatization Day at Dingboche 

You will take another acclimatization day at Dingboche. On this day, you will take a short excursion to Chukkung Ri (5546 meters), a rocky peak near Dingboche village. The distance from Dingboche to Chukkung Ri is 4 km, and it takes 2 to 3 hours to climb. After the short excursion, you will return to the village. 

Dingboche to Lobuche (8.4 km/ 5.2 miles)

From Dingboche, you will trek on the steep terminal moraine of the Khumbu Glacier and through the rocky slope to ascend to Chupki Lhara. You will pass by several prayer flags and chortens along the way. Similarly, you will also trek alongside a rushing stream to reach Lobuche. The trek on this day takes 6 hours and covers a distance of 8.4 km. 

Lobuche to Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorak Shep (11 km/ 6.8 miles)

You will leave Lobuche and head on the trail to Gorak Shep via the lateral moraine of Khumbu Glacier. You will slowly ascend to Thangma Riju and reach Gorak Shep. From the village of Gorak Shep, you will begin your uphill climb through the rough and rocky trail to Everest Base Camp. Upon reaching the base camp, you will spend some time exploring before heading back to Gorak Shep. The trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep to hike up to the Everest Base Camp and the return to Gorak Shep is 8 to 9 hours. The total distance you will cover on this day is 11 km. 

Morning Hike to Kalapathar and trek to Deboche (17 km/ 10.5 miles)

On this day, you will cover the longest distance compared to other days. It is the climax of the Everest Base Camp Trek, and your day begins early. You will take a morning hike to Kalapathar to witness the sunrise amidst the spectacular mountains. Then, you will descend back to Gorak Shep and head towards Deboche. The entire trek distance you will cover on this day is 17 km. Similarly, the trekking hour is also the longest and takes 9 hours.

Deboche to Tengboche (8.5 km/ 5.2 miles)

Trekking from Deboche to Tengboche is relatively easy. It is a downhill climb through the forests of rhododendrons and conifers trails. You will retrace your steps back to Tengboche and cover the distance of 8.5 km, which will take 5 hours. 

Tengboche to Namche Bazaar (9.1 km/ 5.7 miles)

On this day, you will descend to the Dudh Koshi River trails through the pine forests. You will once again walk on the familiar path to Sansa and Kyangjuma to trek back to Namche Bazaar. The trail primarily consists of downhill climbs and is relatively easier than climbing uphill. The total distance you will cover on this day is 9.1 km and takes 6 hours. 

Namche Bazaar to Phakding (7.4 km/ 4.6 miles)

The trail from Namche Bazaar descends steeply on rocky terrains. It can be physically arduous as you will have to climb downhill continuously. You will once again cross several traditional villages, terrace farms, chorterns, and mani walls along the way. After crossing several suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi, the trail becomes gentle and more even. Trekking from Namche Bazaar to Phakding takes 5 hours, during which you will cover a distance of 7.4 km. 

Phakding to Lukla (7 km/ 4.34 miles)

Heading back to Lukla, you will take a return route through the forest of rhododendrons and pines. The mountain views become more distant as you trek past picturesque Sherpa villages, terrace farms, prayer stones, and colorful prayer flags. The trek is relatively short and takes 4 hours. The total distance you will cover on this day is 7 km. This is the last day of our Everest trek. 

Flight to Kathmandu/ Manthali (30 minutes)

There is no need to trek on this day as you will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu or Manthali Airport, Ramechhap.

Conclusion

The Everest Base, Camp Trek distance, varies depending on whether you start your journey from Lukla or Jiri. The most popular way is to trek from Lukla, which takes fewer days. However, if you want to try the original way of getting to the Everest Base Camp, you can opt for the Jiri route. Either way, you are in for the most spectacular journey of your lifetime. 

We hope that this information was helpful for you and those planning to trek to Everest Base Camp. Although the distance may seem like a lot, the thrilling trails and the spectacular views of the landscapes and mountain panoramas will make you forget about the long hours of walking. In fact, it will be an enjoyable trek that gives you a close look at the life and culture of the Everest region.