You can complete the Everest Base Camp trek in a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 18 days. Increasing or decreasing the length of your trek to the base camp of Everest depends on your trekking route and trailhead. Customize your trek to Everest Base Camp, at your convenience.
Everest Base Camp is accessible from Nepal as well as Tibet. But trekking from Nepal is popular than a trek from Tibet due to better facilities for trekkers. You can visit Everest Base Camp without trekking as well. Take a one-day helicopter tour of the Everest region from Nepal and bask in the beauty of Everest from Kala Patthar at a brief stopover.
When visiting Everest from the Tibetan side you will be taking a multiday overland drive to the base camp.
Visiting Everest Base Camp is possible like never before. Keep on reading to find out more about the alternative routes to Everest Base Camp that suit you.
A Trek to Everest Base Camp from Nepal
Walk in the shadows of the Himalayas and marvel at the astounding mountains. Capture the stunning landscape of the Everest region in pictures. Marvel at the breathtaking views of mountains including Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse. Walk past Sherpa settlements, visit Buddhist monasteries, and get a glimpse of mountain culture. Moreover, you will get to experience warm local hospitality.
Here are some of the popular trekking routes to Everest Base Camp:
12 days Everest Base Camp Trek
Most people trekking to Everest Base Camp follow the standard itinerary to the base camp of Everest. Your journey of 12 days begins and ends in Kathmandu. After a scenic flight to Lukla, your trek begins from Phakding.
You will reach base camp on the 8th day where stunning views of Khumbu Glacier and icefall will welcome you. On the following day, hike to Kala Patthar with the best views of Everest. Also, watch a mesmerizing sunrise over Everest and neighboring mountains.
Upon trekking for 2 more days via Pheriche and Namche Bazaar you will reach Lukla. On day 12 you will be flying back to Kathmandu which marks the end of your journey.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)
- Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
- Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910m)
- Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,140m) via Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar and descend to Pheriche
- Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Day 11: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 12: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu
10 days Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back by Helicopter
Everest Base Camp trek and return via a helicopter of 10-days are getting famous as you will get to experience the best of both worlds. You will experience the joy of trekking and can also savor the aerial view of the Everest region. The itinerary begins and ends in Kathmandu. Take a picturesque flight to Lukla.
After trekking for seven days from Lukla, you will reach Everest Base Camp on the 8th day. On the next day, you will be trekking to the vantage point of Kala Patthar with the best views of Everest.
Marvel at the 360-degree view of mountains like Everest, Pumori, Lhotse, Nuptse, and others. Further, you will be taking an exciting helicopter ride over the Everest region and landing at Lukla. Savor the aerial view of towering mountains and fly close to the Himalayas.
Moreover, you will be taking a regular domestic flight from Lukla to Kathmandu on the tenth day of the trip.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,840m) and trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
- Day 5: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche
- Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
- Day 8: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m) and hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Day 9: Hike to Kala Patthar, take a helicopter tour & return to Lukla
- Day 10: Domestic flight to Kathmandu from Lukla
18 days Everest Base Camp Trek via Pioneer’s Route from Jiri
Early trekkers in 1950 took the route to Everest Base Camp from Jiri. Walk on the trail taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. You will be gradually gaining altitude which will help in better acclimatization.
After the establishment of Lukla Airport, the trek route via Jiri is less taken. So, you can expect a less crowded trail filled with breathtaking landscapes.
Trek to Everest Base Camp from Jiri is a long trek of 18 days which starts and ends in Kathmandu. You will be driving from Kathmandu to Bhandara, which is the trailhead of the trek.
On the 14th day, you will be visiting Everest Base Camp. Hike up to Kala Patthar to enjoy the awesome views of Everest. Retrace your steps back to Periche, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla.
You will be returning to Kathmandu on the 18th day via a domestic flight from Lukla. On the trail, you will come across yak farms, pastures and glaciers. You will get to see the ethnic diversity of Nepal and will meet people of Brahmin, Chhetri, and Newar ethnic groups.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandara (2,190m) via Jiri
- Day 2: Trek to Sete (2,575m)
- Day 3: Trek to Jun Beshi (2,670m)
- Day 4: Trek to Nunthala (2,330m)
- Day 5: Trek to Bupsa (2,070m)
- Day 6: Trek to Surke (2,290m)
- Day 7: Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 8: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 9: At Namche Bazaar: 1st Acclimatization Day
- Day 10: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
- Day 11: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Day 12: At Dingboche: 2nd Acclimatization Day (4,410m) – Hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m)
- Day 13: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
- Day 14: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Day 15: Hike to Kala Patthar (5550m) – Trek to Pheriche (4,240m)
- Day 16: Trek to Namche (3,440m)
- Day 17: Trek to Lukla (2,840m)
- Day 18: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m)
16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek from Phaplu
A trek to Everest Base Camp from Phalpu is a less conventional route. It is an itinerary of 16 days that starts and ends in Kathmandu. After a scenic drive to Phaplu from Kathmandu, your trek begins.
Walking on a trail filled with pine trees and cow pastures will add the European countryside feel to your trek.
On the 12th day, you will reach Everest Base Camp and you will see climbers preparing for summiting Everest when trekking in the climbing season.
You will be hiking to Kala Patthar to savor the best views of Everest. Also, savor a mesmerizing sunrise over Everest and its neighboring mountains.
You will be walking back to Lukla via Namche Bazaar and take a flight back to Kathmandu on the 16th day. Witness the cultural diversity of Nepal and you will meet people from ethnic groups like Sherpa, Gurung, Chhetri, Rai, and others.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2,413m)
- Day 2: Trek to Nunthala (2,330m)
- Day 3: Trek to Bupsa (2,070m)
- Day 4: Trek to Surke (2,290m)
- Day 5: Trek to Phakding (2,610m)
- Day 6: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
- Day 7: Acclimatization Day at Namceh Bazaar(3,440m)
- Day 8: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
- Day 9: Trek to Dingboche (4,410m)
- Day 10: Acclimatization at Dingboche, hike to Nagarjun Hill (5,100m)
- Day 11: Trek to Lobuche (4,910m)
- Day 12: Trek to Gorak Shep (5,140m) and visit Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Day 13: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,550m) – Trek to Pheriche (4,240m)
- Day 14: Trek to Namche (3,440m)
- Day 15: Trek to Lukla (2,840m)
- Day 16: Fly Lukla to Kathmandu (1,400m)
One Day Helicopter Tour
A helicopter tour lets you enjoy the beauty of the Everest region from the comfort of a helicopter. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to do the helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp. Watch the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and see a stretch of never-ending snowy mountains. You will also be flying parallel to the Himalayas.
Helicopter tours are mostly scheduled in the morning as the sky in the high mountains remains clear in the morning. Your helicopter tour starts from Kathmandu; you will be flying to Lukla and will landing there for refueling. Savor the stunning view of Sherpa villages, pristine Gokyo Lakes, and frozen glaciers.
You will be stopping at Kala Patthar for a brief time. The vantage point of Kala Patthar offers an incredible view of Everest and neighboring mountains. Capture these beautiful memories before flying to Kathmandu via Shyangboche. Marvel at the astounding views of mountains including Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
If you wish to savor the beauty of Everest but time and health issues restrict then consider a helicopter tour of Everest. Your helicopter will be equipped with supplementary oxygen if altitude causes some trouble.
Useful Tips for EBC Trek in Nepal
1. Buffer Days for Possible Lukla Flight Delay or Cancellation
It is important to have buffer days on your Everest Trek. You will be flying in and out of the Everest region via Lukla airport. The airport, situated on a cliff, is surrounded by towering mountains.
The weather in high mountains is unpredictable and the weather changes quickly. A sunny clear sky can suddenly be covered in clouds and haze may disturb the visibility. Flights to or from Lukla operate only when the weather is stable and visibility is good.
The possibility of domestic flights getting delayed or canceled cannot be ruled out. So, it will be wise to keep some buffer days. In case of long flight delays, there is an option of flying out of Lukla in a helicopter. Having buffers days will help you to catch your scheduled international flight.
2. Acclimatization
Everest Base Camp trek is a high-altitude trek where acclimatization is essential. It is important to trek slowly and steadily to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Trekking at your own pace allows your body to adapt to the atmosphere of high altitude with less oxygen. Also, a good itinerary features acclimatization days.
Some of the symptoms of altitude sickness are dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and others. Keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Visit your doctor before doing an EBC trek. Also, taking medicine helps treat mild altitude sickness.
Share your health conditions and concerns if any with your guide. An experienced guide will help you to monitor your health. Clinics at Lukla, Namche, and Pheriche offer basic health for minor problems. Emergency helicopter evacuation to Kathmandu due to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) isn’t unheard of and it can be fatal.
Getting to Everest Base Camp from Tibet
It’s your choice to reach Everest Base Camp of Tibet via an overland drive or trekking. You will get an insight into Tibetan Buddhism. Visit the famous tourist attractions like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.
Overland Drive from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
The most popular way to reach Everest Base Camp is by overland in a car or a tour vehicle. You can comfortably reach the base camp and see popular tourist attractions along the way. Also, you can do a round trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and back to Lhasa in 8 days. You will be touring for a couple of days in Lhasa to acclimatize to high altitude.
Enjoy a scenic drive from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp which is around 618 kilometers. You will be driving past Shingaste and Tingri on your way to the Base Camp from Lhasa. Moreover, you will be stopping at Yamdrok-Tso, which is one of the Great Three Sacred Lakes of Tibet.
You will be visiting the renowned Pelkor Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery. One of the main highlights of the trip is Gawu La Pass overlooking the breathtaking panoramic views of Everest and neighboring mountains.
Outline itinerary to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa:
- Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
- Day 2: Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, and Jokhang Temple
- Day 3: Lhasa Tour – Visit Sera monastery and Drepung monastery
- Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse (3,900m) via Gyantse
- Day 5: Shigatse (3,900m) to Everest Base Camp (5,200m)
- Day 6: Everest Base Camp (5,200m) and return to Shigatse (3,900m)
- Day 7: Shigatse (3,900m) to Lhasa (3,650m)
- Day 8: Departure from Lhasa
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
A trek from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp is regarded as one of the best treks in Tibet. Your journey begins and ends in Lhasa. After touring Lhasa as a part of acclimatization you will leave for Tingri the trailhead of your trek.
You will reach the base camp of Everest on the Tibetan side on the 9th day. After visiting the base camp you will be driving back to Lhasa via Lhatse and Sakya. You will be departing from Lhasa on day 12.
Enjoy the stunning landscape of the Tibetan Plateau featuring small villages. If you are lucky you will get a chance to visit nomadic herders of the region.
You will be visiting the renowned Rongbuk Monastery situated at the height of 5,100 meters which is also the highest Buddhist monastery in the world. You will get to explore vast meadows filled with sheep and goats.
Visit a small monastery of Choelun Monastery. Ascend mountain and cross Lamna La Pass at 5,150 meters and savor the incredible panoramic views. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets and stargaze at night.
Trek Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3,656m)
- Day 2: Lhasa Tour Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and others
- Day 3: Lhasa Tour visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
- Day 4: Lhasa to Gyantse (3,950m)
- Day 5: Gyantse (3,950m) to Old Tingri (4,390m)
- Day 6: Trek from Tingri (4,390m) to Lungthang (4,510m)
- Day 7: Trek from Lungthang (4,510m) to Nam-la (5,150m)
- Day 8: Trek from Nam-la (5,150m) to Zommug (4,790m)
- Day 9: Trek from Zommug to Rongbuk (4,980m) and EBC (5,200m)
- Day 10: Drive from Rongbuk to Sakya vai Lhatse (4,050m)
- Day 11: Drive Sakya (4,300m) to Lhasa
- Day 12: Departure from Lhasa
Useful Tips while traveling to Everest Base Camp in Tibet
1. The huge difference in temperate of day and night makes people prone to cold. Catching a cold in turn increases the risk of altitude sickness so wear proper clothes.
2. The ultraviolet rays of the sun are strong at high altitude so use sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen to protect from the sun.
3. The best time of the year to travel to Everest Base Camp is from April to October. It’s better not to travel in the rainy season of July and August.
4. Foreigners require a permit to travel in Tibet and your travel agent or travel company can arrange one for you.
The popularity of Everest Base Camp on the Tibet side was on the rise as it was accessible by car. But you need to trek roughly over two weeks to reach base camp on the Nepalese side.
China restricted visitors to the base camp of Mount Everest on the Tibetan side to all except those with climbing permits. Moreover, it was officially announced in December 2018 by Tibetan authorities. The restriction was imposed in response to the large rubbish piling up on the site.
The ban allows tourists to go up to Rongbuk Monastery which is around 5,000 meters above sea level. The monastery is near Everest Base Camp and overlooks astounding views of mountains.
