Everest Base Camp Trekking Distance: A Complete Guide for Hikers

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic treks in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas, rich Sherpa culture, and the adventure of a lifetime. While many dream of standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain, one of the most common questions asked is: “How far is the Everest Base Camp trek?”

In this guide, we break down the total trekking distance, daily distances, routes, and important tips to help you plan your Everest Base Camp (EBC) journey efficiently.

How Long Is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The total round-trip trekking distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back is approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles).

One-way distance (Lukla to EBC): ~65 km (40 miles)
Round-trip distance: ~130 km (81 miles)

This distance is usually covered over 12 to 14 days, which includes acclimatization days to help your body adjust to the altitude.

Typical Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary with Daily Distances

The Everest Base Camp trek typically spans 12 days, allowing ample time for trekking and acclimatization. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the journey day-by-day, with approximate distances and elevation changes:

Day 1: Lukla to Phakding
After a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), your trek begins. The first leg is relatively easy and descends gradually to the village of Phakding. This section covers around 8 kilometers (5 miles) and drops about 200 meters in elevation.

Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
On the second day, you’ll trek approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to reach Namche Bazaar (3,440m), the bustling Sherpa capital. This is a more demanding day, involving a steep ascent and gaining about 800 meters in elevation.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day in Namche
To aid acclimatization, most trekkers spend an extra day in Namche. You can take a short hike to Everest View Hotel or Khumjung village, which is roughly 4 to 5 kilometers (3 miles) round trip, with an optional elevation gain of around 400 meters.

Day 4: Namche to Tengboche
Today’s trek is scenic, offering panoramic views of Ama Dablam and other peaks. The trail from Namche to Tengboche is around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long and involves a climb of approximately 600 meters, ending at the famed Tengboche Monastery.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche
From Tengboche (3,860m), the trail continues to Dingboche (4,410m), covering about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). This day includes another moderate ascent of about 600 meters, bringing you into the Imja Valley.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
Another acclimatization day is spent in Dingboche. Trekkers often take a short but steep hike to Nangkartshang Peak, covering 3 to 4 kilometers with a potential elevation gain of 500 meters, helping the body adjust to the increasing altitude.

Day 7: Dingboche to Lobuche
The trail from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m) passes through alpine terrain and memorial stupas. This leg is around 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles) long and gains approximately 500 meters in elevation.

Day 8: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
One of the most anticipated days of the trek, this journey involves walking from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,164m) and then to Everest Base Camp (5,364m), before returning to Gorak Shep for the night. This round-trip covers about 12 to 13 kilometers (8 miles) with a total elevation gain of around 400 meters.

Day 9: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar and Pheriche
For the best sunrise views of Mount Everest, you’ll hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m), then descend to the village of Pheriche (4,280m). This longer day involves trekking 13 to 14 kilometers (8.5 miles), with a descent of about 1,200 meters.

Day 10: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
From Pheriche, you’ll retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar. This section is roughly 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) long and drops around 800 meters in elevation.

Day 11: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
On the final day of the trek, you’ll walk back to Lukla along the same trail, covering approximately 18 kilometers (11.2 miles). The route involves a mix of ascents and descents but ultimately drops about 600 meters as you return to your starting point.

Total Distance Covered: ~130 km (81 miles)

Route Overview: Lukla to Everest Base Camp

Your trek starts after a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860m), home to the famous Tenzing-Hillary Airport. From there, you’ll follow a trail through traditional Sherpa villages, lush forests, and glacial valleys.

Key stops along the way include:

Phakding: A peaceful village along the Dudh Koshi River.
Namche Bazaar: The main trading hub and acclimatization stop.
Tengboche: Home to a stunning monastery with views of Everest and Ama Dablam.
Dingboche & Lobuche: High-altitude settlements leading up to base camp.
Gorakshep: The last stop before reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and Kala Patthar (5,545m), the best viewpoint of Everest.

How Difficult Is the Everest Base Camp Trek Based on Distance?

While 130 km might not sound overwhelming to seasoned trekkers, the high altitude and daily elevation gains make the EBC trek moderate to challenging.

Daily walking time: 5 to 7 hours on average
Trail conditions: Vary from rocky paths to steep ascents and descents
No technical climbing is involved, but stamina and preparation are essential

Proper acclimatization and pacing are key to a successful and safe trek.

Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp

To fully enjoy the journey and handle the distance with ease, trek during:

Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming rhododendrons.
Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and stable weather, perfect for mountain views.

Permits You Need for the Everest Base Camp Trek

Regardless of how far you go, you’ll need the following permits:

Sagarmatha National Park Permit – NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit – NPR 2,000 (~USD 17)

These can be arranged in Kathmandu or on the trail (Lukla or Monjo).

Final Thoughts: Is the Everest Base Camp Trek Worth the Distance?

Absolutely! Every kilometer you trek brings you closer to breathtaking Himalayan vistas, spiritual landmarks like Tengboche Monastery, and the chance to stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak.

Whether you’re trekking for the challenge, the scenery, or the cultural experience, understanding the Everest Base Camp trek distance helps you plan wisely and make the most of your adventure.