Admin UserA well-paced Everest Base Camp itinerary takes 12–14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. The extra days are not wasted: they are what keeps you healthy at altitude and turns the trip from an endurance test into an enjoyable journey. Below is the plan we recommend to international trekkers, with altitude, walking times and practical tips for every stage.
Everest Base Camp itinerary at a glance (14 days)
| Day | Route | Walking time | Sleep altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Kathmandu, trip briefing | 1,400 m | |
| 2 | Fly to Lukla, walk to Phakding | 3–4 hours | 2,610 m |
| 3 | Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 5–6 hours | 3,440 m |
| 4 | Acclimatisation day in Namche | 2–4 hours | 3,440 m |
| 5 | Namche to Tengboche | 5–6 hours | 3,867 m |
| 6 | Tengboche to Dingboche | 5–6 hours | 4,410 m |
| 7 | Acclimatisation day in Dingboche | 2–4 hours | 4,410 m |
| 8 | Dingboche to Lobuche | 5 hours | 4,940 m |
| 9 | Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Base Camp | 7–8 hours | 5,164 m |
| 10 | Kala Patthar sunrise, descend to Pheriche | 6–7 hours | 4,371 m |
| 11 | Pheriche to Namche | 6–7 hours | 3,440 m |
| 12 | Namche to Lukla | 6–7 hours | 2,860 m |
| 13 | Fly to Kathmandu | 1,400 m | |
| 14 | Spare day / departure |
Video: 🌄 EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK with G ADVENTURES | Full 58-Minute Guide + Daily Breakdown! 🥾🏔️ (Tyler Townsend Travel on YouTube)
Day-by-day highlights
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Spend your first night in Kathmandu to meet your guide, check your gear and handle any last-minute shopping. If you arrive early, take an afternoon walk through Thamel or visit the Boudhanath stupa to settle in. Our first-timer tips will help you with money, SIM cards and local customs.
Day 2: Fly to Lukla and walk to Phakding
The flight to Lukla (about 35 minutes) is one of the world's most dramatic. In busy months flights may depart from Ramechhap instead; see our Lukla flight guide. From Lukla you descend gently along the Dudh Koshi river to Phakding. It is a short day, designed to let your body adjust.
Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Cross several suspension bridges, enter Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo and descend to Jorsale. Then comes the long climb to Namche, with a first glimpse of Everest on a clear day from the viewpoint along the way. The ascent is steep, so go slowly and take regular breaks.
Day 4: Acclimatisation in Namche
The Sherpa capital has bakeries, gear shops and views of Thamserku and Kongde Ri. Hike to the Everest View Hotel (3,880 m) for a panoramic view, then return to sleep at 3,440 m. This "climb high, sleep low" rule is the foundation of safe acclimatisation.
Day 5: Namche to Tengboche
A beautiful day with a descent to the river at Phunki Tenga followed by a steep climb to Tengboche Monastery. The monastery is the spiritual heart of the Khumbu, and if you are there in the afternoon you may be able to watch the monks' prayers. In the autumn, the Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated here (see the festivals calendar).
Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
Above Pangboche the landscape opens up into alpine meadows and ridges, and the tree line fades. You will see Ama Dablam up close, a perfect pyramid. The valley is wide and windy, so keep a windproof layer handy.
Day 7: Acclimatisation in Dingboche
A rest day with an optional hike to Nangkartshang viewpoint (about 5,000 m) or Chhukung. Sleeping at 4,410 m after a short hike higher is excellent preparation for the days ahead. Use the time to wash clothes, charge devices and rest.
Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
You walk along the Khumbu Glacier's lateral moraine, passing the memorials at Thukla Pass dedicated to climbers who died on Everest. Lobuche is cold and basic, so wear warm layers at night.
Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Leave early. The trail runs along the moraine to Gorak Shep (5,164 m), where you drop your pack and eat lunch, then continue to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). The summit is hidden behind Nuptse, but the glacier, tents (in the spring climbing season) and Khumbu Icefall make it unforgettable. Return to Gorak Shep for the night.
Day 10: Kala Patthar and descent
Wake before dawn for sunrise from Kala Patthar (5,545 m), the best Everest viewpoint on the trek. Then descend as far as Pheriche or Pangboche. Going down quickly helps your body recover from altitude.
Days 11–13: The return
Descending is faster and warmer. Keep a buffer for Lukla flight delays; do not schedule international flights on the same day you return. Our difficulty guide explains how to pace the return.
Variations on the itinerary
- 12-day version. Remove the Pheriche overnight and descend in one day from Gorak Shep, only if you feel strong.
- 16-day version. Add a second acclimatisation night in Lobuche or a side trip to Chhukung Ri.
- Helicopter return. Fly from Gorak Shep or Pheriche to Kathmandu. See the Everest helicopter guide.
- Gokyo extension. Swap the Dingboche leg for a Gokyo Lakes route via the Cho La pass.
- Peak add-on. Strong trekkers can combine the route with Island Peak.
Official information and where to check
Sagarmatha National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitor information and seasonal updates are published by the Nepal Tourism Board. For flight rules and safety, see the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.
Packing and permits
Bring a four-season sleeping bag (or rent one in Kathmandu), a down jacket, a waterproof shell and a good pair of broken-in boots. Our Nepal trekking packing list covers every item. Permits are handled by your operator; see the permit and TIMS guide. Remember to buy travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation up to 5,500 m.
Best season for this itinerary
October–November and April–May offer the clearest weather and the most reliable flights. Read the best time to trek Everest guide to choose your window.
What a typical trekking day looks like
Knowing the rhythm of the day makes the itinerary feel less daunting. A typical day runs like this:
- 6:00–6:30 a.m. Wake up, pack your duffel for the porter and have breakfast (porridge, eggs, toast or pancakes with tea).
- 7:00–7:30 a.m. Start walking while the air is calm and the mountains are clearest.
- 10:30–11:00 a.m. Tea stop for snacks and hot drinks.
- 12:30–1:30 p.m. Lunch at a lodge (dal bhat, noodles, fried rice or momos).
- 2:00–4:00 p.m. Final walking stage; afternoon clouds often roll in.
- 4:00–5:00 p.m. Arrive, settle in, wash if hot water is available and rest.
- 5:30–7:00 p.m. Gather in the dining room around the stove, eat dinner and plan the next day with your guide.
- 8:00–9:00 p.m. Early bed, because the day starts early.
Short days leave time for reading, journaling, card games and conversations with trekkers from around the world. That slower rhythm is one of the quiet pleasures of the trek.
Tea-house life, money and connectivity
Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin rooms (a bed, a pillow and a thin blanket, so bring a sleeping bag), shared toilets and a heated dining room. Bedrooms are not heated. Charging, hot showers and Wi‑Fi cost extra and become more expensive with height. Mobile coverage varies; a local SIM often works up to Namche and patchily beyond, while Wi‑Fi cards are slow. Our SIM, Wi‑Fi and money guide explains what to buy and when. Carry enough Nepali rupees in small notes for the whole trip, as ATMs on the route are unreliable.
Itinerary options for different fitness levels
| Profile | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Strong, experienced hiker | 12-day itinerary with one acclimatisation day in Namche and one in Dingboche |
| Typical first-timer | The 14-day plan above, with two acclimatisation days |
| Cautious or older trekker | 16 days with extra rest nights at Dingboche and Lobuche |
| Limited time | Fly in and out by helicopter from Gorak Shep, or choose a shorter route such as Poon Hill |
Whichever you choose, build your plan around acclimatisation first and sightseeing second. A useful rule of thumb is to keep your net sleeping-altitude gain under about 500 m per night above 3,000 m, and to add a rest day for every 1,000 m gained. Your guide will adjust the plan if anyone in the group shows symptoms, and a flexible operator will not charge a penalty for an extra night when it is medically sensible. Ask about this before you book, because it tells you a great deal about how a company puts safety ahead of schedule.
Common itinerary mistakes
- Skipping acclimatisation days to save time.
- Planning an international flight the day after the return flight from Lukla.
- Carrying too much weight; porters carry the bulk, but your daypack should stay under 8 kg.
- Not training; see the training plan.
Ready to go?
View the full Everest Base Camp Trek with prices and departure dates, or contact us for a custom itinerary built around your dates and fitness.
FAQ
How many days do you need for Everest Base Camp?
Allow 12–14 days. Faster itineraries exist but raise the risk of altitude sickness.
Which day is the hardest on the Everest trek?
Most trekkers find the Namche climb (day 3) and the Lobuche to Gorak Shep stage (day 9) the toughest.
Can you see Everest from Base Camp?
Not the summit. Everest is hidden behind Nuptse. The best views are from Kala Patthar.
Where do you sleep on the trek?
In family-run tea houses with twin rooms, shared toilets and a heated dining room.
What if my flight to Lukla is cancelled?
Wait for conditions to improve, reschedule for the next day or consider a helicopter. Always keep a spare day in your plan.
Plan it with local experts: see our guide to this destination, or talk to an Aadiyogi Travels specialist for a free custom quote.
