Why this trek? The trail to Everest Base Camp is more than a hike; it’s a living gallery of Sherpa culture and the planet’s tallest peaks. Follow this carefully-sequenced schedule—distances, altitudes and all—to give your body time to adjust and your camera plenty of reasons to click.
Quick Facts
Start & Finish
Lukla (2,860 m)
Top Stop
Kala Patthar (5,545 m)
Total Days
12–14
Total Distance
≈ 130 km round-trip
Difficulty
Moderate-plus
Prime Windows
March–May | September–November
Daily Plan
Day 1 – Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m)
Land, unpack, double-check permits and gear. Wander Thamel’s alleyways if energy allows.
Spotlight: trip briefing and last-minute momos.
Day 2 – Fly Lukla, Walk to Phakding (2,610 m)
30-min mountain flight, then 3–4 hrs beside the Dudh Koshi.
Spotlight: first snowy skyline and suspension-bridge sway.
Day 3 – Phakding → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
6–7 hrs via pine forests and the iconic Hillary Bridge.
Spotlight: debut glimpse of Everest and espresso in the Khumbu capital.
Day 4 – Namche Acclimatization
Hike to Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) or the Sherpa Museum.
Spotlight: panoramas of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse—plus oxygen-rich sleep.
Day 5 – Namche → Tengboche (3,867 m)
5–6 hrs of ridge walking to the region’s grandest monastery.
Spotlight: sunset on Ama Dablam and chanting monks.
Day 6 – Tengboche → Dingboche (4,410 m)
5–6 hrs through rhododendron belts and pastureland.
Spotlight: Island Peak staring at you across the valley.
Day 7 – Dingboche Acclimatization
Climb Nagarjun Hill (5,100 m) or stroll toward Chhukung.
Spotlight: Makalu and Cho Oyu joining the postcard.
Day 8 – Dingboche → Lobuche (4,940 m)
5–6 hrs past memorial chortens at Thukla Pass.
Spotlight: silent tribute to Everest climbers and Khumbu Glacier tongues.
Day 9 – Lobuche → Gorak Shep (5,164 m) & Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
7–8 hrs round trip over glacial moraine.
Spotlight: standing where summit dreams launch.
Day 10 – Kala Patthar Sunrise (5,545 m) → Pheriche (4,371 m)
Predawn 1–2 hrs up, 6–7 hrs down to thicker air.
Spotlight: gold-lit Everest, Nuptse, Pumori group photo.
Day 11 – Pheriche → Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
6–7 hrs of downhill knee relief.
Spotlight: celebratory brownie and a hot shower.
Day 12 – Namche → Lukla (2,860 m)
6–7 hrs to retrace your first footsteps.
Spotlight: final Himalayan sunset with the crew.
Day 13 – Lukla → Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Morning flight; afternoon souvenir hunt or stupa circuit.
Spotlight: city lights after star-lit glaciers.
Day 14 – Buffer / Departure
Spare day for weather delays or UNESCO-site sightseeing.
Spotlight: farewell dal-bhat and your hard-earned certificate.
Need-to-Know
Acclimatization
Two mandatory rest days (Namche & Dingboche) slash AMS odds.
Permits
Sagarmatha National Park Entry + Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
Pack Smart
Down jacket, sturdy boots, purification tabs, headlamp, power bank.
Fitness
Six weeks of cardio prep pays dividends on the uphill.
Seasons
Spring blooms or autumn clarity—pick your palette.
Takeaway
This itinerary balances sweat, scenery and Sherpa smiles. Follow it, and the world’s highest mountain becomes your lifetime highlight reel.
